Tools/Python Tools
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Modules
For our scientific purposes we use following modules regularly:
PyLab is an effort to consolidate following libraries together with IPython into a compelling environment for numerical computation:
- NumPy for arrays, linear algebra, ...
- SciPy depends on NumPy, used to manipulate numbers, for signal processing, ...
- matplotlib for 2D plots
Symbolic mathematics can be done with:
IDEs
The Spyder IDE provides a complete MATLAB-like development interface. As a simple alternative, IPython provides a web-based GUI and Mathematica-like notebooks.
Installation
Mac OS
Download Spyder.
Copy the application to the Applications
folder.
Launch Spyder
, and in the console type:
t = linspace(0, 10, 100); plot(t, sin(t));
Linux
Installation can be done on a package basis, with pip. An alternative would be easy_install.
Install the IDE:
sudo apt-get install spyder
This also installs numPy
, sciPy
and matplotlib
.
Launch Spyder
, and in the console type:
t = linspace(0, 10, 100); plot(t, sin(t));
Windows
Download Python(x,y) to install Python and other components of your choice.
Python(x,y) 2.7.5.0
In the Choose Components window of the installer select Python->SymPy if you need it. Additional modules can easily be added later by re-running the installer and selecting the desired module(s).
Spyder IDE
Scientific PYthon Development EnviRonment is an IDE similar to the one you get with Matlab or Octave. This means you get an editor, a console, online help, variable explorer, debugger with breakpoints and much more.
With Python(x,y) 2.7.5.0 you get Spyder v. 2.2.0.
Modules
Pip
pip is a tool for installing and managing Python packages.
NumPy
Update by downloading the latest version.
SciPy
Update by downloading the latest version.
matplotlib
matplotlib python 2D plotting library
Check out the Usage FAQ: Coding Styles for a short introduction to plotting with matplotlib.For full documentation go to the API documentation.
Update by downloading the latest version.
Note 1: As matplotlib depends on NumPy, update NumPy before matplotlib!
SymPy
Symbolic Mathematics with Python
Try out SymPy Live directly in your browser to get a feeling of it or read through the documentation.