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 Scientific PYthon Development EnviRonment (Spyder) IDE provides a complete MATLAB/Octave-like development interface.This means you get an editor, a console, online help, variable explorer, debugger with breakpoints and much more.
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
We recommend to use the free and open-source WinPython Python distribution. It is portable in the sense, that it will not write anything to the Windows registry and everything is stored in the installation folder. This means that you can copy or move the installation folder anytime to any location (local, network or removable drive) with most of the application settings. You are even able to have multiple Python distributions installed on one machine (see also Roadmap).
There are 32-bit or 64-bit installers (depending on your operating system) for
We do NOT recommend to install it to C:\Program Files
or any similar folder, as you need administrator privileges to execute it there.
To install additional packages or upgrade existing ones, use the WinPython Control Panel
.
Spyder
is already provided with WinPython.
Launch Spyder
, and in the console type:
t = linspace(0, 10, 100); plot(t, sin(t));
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.