George Mason University


Research Hall, Room 162

October 25 - 26, 2012
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Schedule

Subject to Change

Day 1
8:30 - 9:00 Setup Help
9:00 - 11:00 UNIX Shell
11:00 - 12:00 Intro to Python I
12:00 - 1:00 Lunch
1:00 - 4:30 Intro to Python II
Day 2
9:00 - 12:00 Number Crunching with Numpy
12:00 - 1:00 Lunch
1:00 - 3:00 Version control with Git
3:00 - 4:30 Testing and Debugging

Installation

Required Software

To complete the entire workshop you need several things: a Bash shell, git, a code editor (though any plain text editor will work in a pinch), and a scientific Python installation that includes the IPython, NumPy, and matplotlib.

An easy way to install these requirements in a fairly consistent manner across OSX, Windows, and Linux is to install the Enthought Python Distribution (EPD). You can download and install the free version here: http://www.enthought.com/products/epd_free.php

Bash

Mac

The default shell in Mac OS X is bash.

Windows

Install Git Bash following the instructions here.

Linux

The default shell is usually bash but if not you can get to bash by opening a terminal and typing bash.

Git

Mac

Install Xcode and the command line tools (from the Download preferences pane) or install just git.

Windows

Install Git Bash following the instructions here.

Linux

If git is not already available on your machine you can try to install it via your distro's package manager (e.g. apt-get).

Code Editor

Mac

We recommend Text Wrangler or Sublime Text.

Windows

Notepad++ is a popular free code editor for Windows.

Linux

Kate is one option for Linux users.

Python

Installing everything you need on your own can be a bit difficult so we recommend just installing the Enthought Python Distribution, which comes in free and academic versions for Mac, Windows, and Linux.

For other options check the Python4Astronomers page on installing scientific Python.

Virtual Machine

In case anyone has any insurmountable installation issues, we will provide a Linux virtual machine with all the required software pre-installed (this was prepared for a workshop at JHU earlier this year, hence the filename). If you want to try running the VM first install VirtualBox and download this virtual machine image. Load the VM into VirtualBox by doing Import Appliance and loading the .ova file. Then try logging in with:

username:
swc
password:
jhu2012
We strongly encourage you to first try getting all the software installed and working on your normal work machine so that you may continue working with these tools after the workshop in your normal work environment.

Contact

This workshop will be presented by Erik Bray and Azalee Bostroem. For more information contact info@software-carpentry.org or the project lead Greg Wilson.