GIS5103 - Module 1 - Introduction to Python

In the first module of GIS Programming we were introduced to programming with Python.   We first learned about scripting versus programming and the layout of our Python textbook.   Next we were introduced to different Python editors.   Specifically we used Python's Integrated Development Environment (IDLE).   We learned about an interactive interpreter and its use to interpret and immediately carry out commands.   You cannot save scripts in an interactive interpreter.   In a script window you must first save the script before it can be run.   You can simultaneously show the interactive interpreter and the script window when creating a script.  Syntax highlighting is the use of different colors to highlight statements, strings, etc. as a means to error check as you write code.  We also were introduced to the PythonWin editor which we will use in this class along with the Python window within ArcMap.  We learned how to create pseudocode for given problems/objectives and to then translate into Python syntax.   We were provided a Python script that when Run created 12 module folders within a Programming folder on our S: drive.

CreateModuleFolders Python Script

I am a little nervous about this class as it has been quite some time since I took a programming course.   Programming does not come naturally for everyone and a quarter of a century ago, I found it difficult.  Hopefully, with some years and experiences behind me it will be easier this go around.