Module 1 - Python Environments and Flowcharts

    This week, in the first GIS Programming lab, was about Python Environments and Flowcharts.

    In this module, it was an introduction to executing and performing simple Python scripts. Whether it was trying Idle and ArcGIS notebook to execute 'hello world' code, to making flowcharts on how to execute code, it was a good lab to lay the foundation for Python learning. 

    First, I would like to share my process summary from this lab. 

    For these weeks lab, it is a simpler assignment as all that is required is to run the python code given, ‘CreateModFolders.py’. So, to start the lab we retrieve the code from this week’s module folder in the R: drive. Once we have the code, we place it in the base area, or more accurately homepage, of our S: drive.

    Once there, I go and enter python command prompt into the windows search bar to get the command prompt open. Then I type in idle in order to open idle shell so I can in turn run the provided python code. 

    To run the provided code, I click the file option in the options ribbon the program has and click the open function to get the code. Once ‘CreateModFolders.py’ was retrieved and clicked, it opened a new window which had all the provided code to make folders in it. 

    With this new window open, it is as simple as pressing the run option on the ribbon and it creates all the folders that are needed for the GIS programing class.

    This is the extent of the lab for this week, but the exercise materials and lecture prepared and made this lab easier in knowing what to do. This lab was fairly easy but is a good introduction to python.

    Next, I would like to share my assessment of the Zen of Python poem that is in Python. 

    The poem The Zen of Python, by Tim Peters, is a poem that is an ‘easter egg’ in all python software. The poem itself seems to say that there should be a focus on positives rather than negatives. It uses soft and simpler expressions to contrast harsher or complex expression. It continues this even when it changes to a two-sentence structure vice the first parts simple comparisons. Also, with it being in python, I assume it may also be preaching for their only being correct and simple ways to code. As in the poem in the last lines wishes for good and easy ideas to explain, and wanting more of those. Overall, the poem strives for positive message and a declaration for simple and good ideas for coding.

    Lastly, I made a flowchart and inputted a script to calculate 3 radians into degrees.



    In closing, this was a great lab to start the class and to inspire learning for Python. I hope to learn and utilize it well in ArcGIS.


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