Python useful for engineer student?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the utility of Python programming for engineering students, particularly in relation to linear algebra and other engineering subjects. Participants explore the relevance of Python in various engineering fields, its comparison to other programming languages like Matlab, and the balance between learning programming and mathematical concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant is taking linear algebra and is curious about the usefulness of learning Python alongside it for engineering applications.
  • Another participant notes that Python is indeed used in engineering and suggests that learning both vector operations and Python is necessary.
  • A participant mentions their indecision between Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace engineering and discusses the relative difficulty of linear algebra compared to calculus.
  • Python is described as advantageous for processing data and text files, contrasting it with Fortran, which is noted for computations.
  • An electrical engineer shares that Python is commonly used for controlling lab equipment and is replacing other languages like Perl and TCL for data processing.
  • One participant expresses a preference for focusing on programming over linear algebra computations, citing their limited programming experience.
  • Some engineers indicate that while programming is not universally required, learning a programming language is generally beneficial.
  • Another electrical engineer mentions using Python for automating processes on their computer.
  • A participant highlights a trend in universities shifting from Matlab to Python due to Python's capabilities and cost-effectiveness, noting a gradual transition in their own engineering department.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the importance of Python for engineering students, with some advocating for its necessity while others suggest it may not be essential for all engineers. The discussion reflects multiple competing perspectives on the value of programming versus mathematical study.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes varying levels of programming experience among participants and differing opinions on the relative difficulty of linear algebra and calculus. There are also mentions of institutional shifts in curriculum focus that may affect students' learning paths.

462chevelle
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I'm taking linear algebra through edx just to get my eyes on the subject. Some of the work in the class requires you to to vector operations on Python. Is it going to be useful for me to learn this stuff for engineering? Or should i just focus on the linear algebra.
Thanks
 
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I'm no engineer, nor am I studying to become one. That said, python is used in engineering. What's your major?

If you want/need to do vector operations in python, then you need to learn both vector operations (Algebra) and python.
 
Lately I've been juggling Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace engineering. Due to my work experience Mechanical or Electrical are more likely though. I'm learning the Algebra to go along with the programming. The programming is going even slower to me than the Algebra though. A couple Engineering students I talked to told me that I needed to learn Matlab over any other kind of computer programs. I wouldn't think Python would hurt, I just wanted to make sure it would be beneficial to study that in my free time, or if I should be hitting Calculus pretty hard. Since I'm taking Calculus 1 next semester and won't be taking Linear Algebra for at least a year and a half. Besides, to me Linear Algebra is quite a bit more difficult than Calculus 1. Everything is taught in general variable form, instead of examples.
 
Python is good for processing data/text files vs, say Fortran, which is good for computations. If you go into research, Python is a good tool to have available.
 
I'm an electrical engineer. We use Python all the time. It is becoming the de-facto language to control lab equipment and some people are using it to replace Perl and TCL is processing and formatting large data sets. Its use is growing from what I see.
 
Thanks, I think I'll just spend more time doing programming then the heavy Linear Algebra computations. I can get heavy into Linear Algebra at a later point. Programming for me is rather difficult, the only programming I have done is with C++, and I wouldn't call it programming. All I have done is modify a program someone else designed.
 
Some engineers frequently program, others never do so, but learning a programming language is never not going to be useful.
 
Im an electrical engineer. I use python to automate processes on my computer
 
A lot of universities have been switching from Matlab to Python given that Python has the libraries to do everything Matlab can and it is free. Additionally, physics departments seem to be more into Python then Engineering. My school however has switched from having more Matlab courses to more Python in the engineering department. They are slowly weening students from Matlab to Python. I myself use both Python and Matlab.
 

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