Scientific computing with python -- getting started with the short course
Video
Day 1 [Download (92 MB)]
Day 2 [Download (88 MB)]
Day 3 [Download (139 MB)]
Day 4 [Download (111 MB)]
Day 4 [Download (110 MB)]
The first thing you want to do is get python installed. Check out the real deal at the python home page.
You may also wish to check out some of my own rants, one page above this one.
The first thing you will want to install is
ipython.
Binary distributions for NumPy, SciPy, and matplotlib
Mac OS X
You can find binary distributions of all the good tools, all in one package put together by Chris Fonnesbeck here. He uses ActiveState python, but his distrobution also plays well with the macpython version mentioned above. NumPy seems to work without a hitch. matplotlib needs more attention.
You will need to install freetype and libpng, and you can get (Universal) binary with the i-Installer. You can also get a version of TeX here if you would like to use TeX for your text in matplotlib. Finally, it seems that the matplotlibrc file is not installed by default. Put this file in your ~/.matplotlib directory (it is my file, so it is a little non-standard, but should do).
Win XP
The best bet here is the Enthought Python Distribution that contains everything that you would ever need, and more, all pre-built, and ready to go.
Linux
The RPMs are woefully out of date. I would recommend installing from svn source if you use Linux. (If you use Linux, you should know what that means...)
Supplementary documentation
As far as documentation, you can't beat the stuff for free on the web. One of my favorites is the python tutorial (linked here, along with other documents). Also, for beginners, I think Magnus Lie Hetland's 'Instant Hacking' seems like a good place to start.
Examples
This directory contains some of the examples we talked about in class.