Welcome to the SPS Python Website

• Python is a tool we use often in SPS, especially in SP2273, SP3275, and SP3176. This site brings together useful Python material relevant to those modules and will likely come in handy throughout your SPS journey.

• The content you find here is not comprehensive; we are not trying to invent the wheel. Think of it as a quick reference: something to get you started with the basics, and to give you a feel for how Python is used in a scientific context. If you are looking for depth or a full course, you will need to look elsewhere.

• If you are new to Python and simply want to learn enough to use it as a tool, a good place to start is Python Basics with Colab. It allows you to dip your toes into Python with minimal setup or commitment. Once you are comfortable with the basics, you can begin exploring some of its real-world applications.

• You will notice that most content is labelled as Need, Good, or Nice. This comes from a practice we use in 73.

  • Need: Essential material that you must know to make real progress with the topic.
  • Good: Builds on the essentials, giving you more control and flexibility. Usually well worth learning.
  • Nice: Extra polish, interesting and useful, but not necessary, especially when you are just starting out.

(From xkcd.com)