Early New Years’ Resolution – actually keep this blog regularly updated with interesting things!
Before I do that, though, I’ll probably port it to my website, http://www.danielrothenberg.com
Visualizing Climate Data – I – Using Python Modules
•July 22, 2009 • 1 CommentNote – I’m going to assume that you have a working knowledge and installation of the Python programming language. I’m starting with Python modules because in my experience, people coming from other languages may not be familiar with the ‘pluggability’ that Python gives to its users via these modules.
Whenever I persuade my friends to try Python, I introduce two initial arguments – it’s easy, and you can use modules. Most people immediately agree with the “it’s easy” part; Python reads like pseudo-code, and it’s usually trivial to translate a program from your brain to the computer screen. However, it usually takes them a while longer to see what is so special with modules. Novices tend to be familiar with the stock modules like math or os, and more advanced converts might experiment with re.
The real power of Python, though, comes from third-party modules. In a nutshell, it is incredibly easy for developers to package their custom-built Python utilities and distribute them to other coders – a search for ‘python’ on Google Code clearly illustrates this fact. You can find third-party modules for nearly any task – manipulating data, managing a web page, plotting data, or even posting to Twitter. Let’s use that last one as an example to explore how to install and use Python modules.
Python-twitter, a module by DeWitt Clinton, provides easy access to the Twitter API via Python. It’s easy to use – a few weeks ago I built some Twitter functionality into my personal website using it. Even if you don’t use Twitter, I’d recommend reading through this example to see how to install, access, and use generic Python modules. Continue reading ‘Visualizing Climate Data – I – Using Python Modules’
Google Wave Beta Application
•July 22, 2009 • 1 CommentHere’s my request to be chosen for the Google Wave Beta:
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Visualizing Climate Data – Index
•July 21, 2009 • Leave a CommentI’ve finally got some time to sit down and punch out a series on analyzing climate data with a Python toolkit. This page will serve as an index page for the entries in the series. Check below to see the planned topics and links to the completed sections.
- Using Python Modules
- NumPy/SciPy
- Reading/Manipulating NetCDF files
- Matplotlib – Plotting NetCDF Files
- Shell Scripting with Python
- Keeping Organized with Mercurial
- Miscellaneous
This is the current outline of topics. I plan to cover. I don’t have a set timeline for publishing each part, although I might aim for one section every 4-5 days. Check back here often to see the latest entries.
