Ideas for simple programs to write in Python please

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around suggestions for simple programming projects in Python, aimed at beginners looking to enhance their programming skills. Participants share ideas that range from basic data handling to algorithm implementation and problem-solving challenges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their experience creating a definite integral calculator using Riemann sums and seeks further project ideas suitable for their skill level.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of skills such as reading data from files and using matplotlib for data visualization.
  • A suggestion is made to explore the Huffman tree algorithm for creating a file compressor program, which one participant found enjoyable as part of a class assignment.
  • Several participants mention Project Euler as a resource for programming challenges, with one noting it can be fun and progressively harder.
  • There is a mention of another site, Python Challenge, which offers progressively challenging problems, although its dependency on specific Python functions is noted as a potential limitation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of the suggested projects and resources, but there is no consensus on which specific project is the best starting point for beginners.

Contextual Notes

Some suggestions may depend on prior knowledge of specific Python functions or libraries, and the effectiveness of the proposed projects may vary based on individual learning preferences.

Who May Find This Useful

Beginners in programming, particularly those interested in Python for scientific applications, data handling, and algorithmic challenges.

ecneicS
Messages
64
Reaction score
0
I currently have little experience in programming and would like to improve my skills. The most complex program I've made so far has been a definite integral calculator that uses either right handed or left handed riemann sums to approximate the definite integral (although it fails to be accurate where functions tend off to infinite). I was wondering if anyone had any good ideas for some programs that are around my skill level. Thanks!
 
Technology news on Phys.org
I will just list two very important skills to have for any sort of scientific use of python:

Write a program that can read in data from a file and do some operation with it, and print it out to a file. (very useful skill!)

Get matplotlib and make pretty graphs with Python
 
you could look up the "huffman tree algorithm" and write a file compressor program for relatively small programs. I did this as an assignment for one of my classes with python, it was fun.
 
ProjectEruler.net ?
 
flemmyd said:
ProjectEruler.net ?
I put that in my address bar and nothing came up. What is it?
 
projecteuler can be fun, but this is awesome: http://www.pythonchallenge.com ! ( the project euler link reminded me of this site, it gets progressively harder )
there's a harder version out there somewhere, that is less dependent on using python specifically ( for example, one exercise in pythonchallenge.com requires you to know about the Ord() function in python ), but I don't remember the name :(
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
5K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
12K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K