Introduction to Python

Python is a free, open-source and powerful programming language that is easy to learn. This FAES course is intended for nonprogrammers who want to learn how to write programs that expand the breadth and depth of their daily research. Most elementary concepts in modern software engineering are covered, including basic syntax, reading from and writing texts files, debugging python programs, regular expressions, and creating reusable code modules that are distributable to peers. The course also focuses on potential applications of Python to bioinformatics, including sequence analysis, data visualization, and data analysis. Students also learn to use the Jupyter Notebook and the PyCharm integrated development environment (IDE), which are available at no cost.