WPI IEEE Tutorial: Quick Intro to Python Programming - 27 October 2021
Channel: Wireless Innovation Laboratory - WI Lab
Date: 2021-11-08

In collaboration with WPI IEEE,  a short introductory tutorial on Python Programming was presented on Wednesday (10/27/2021) at 9:00 PM ET via Zoom.

The objective of this tutorial is to provide an on-ramping experience for individuals who may have some general programming experience and would like to learn how to use Python within the context of signals, systems, and information processing applications such as communication systems engineering.

In preparation for this tutorial, individuals interested in implementing their own Python programs during this session will must already have Python3 installed on their computers along with NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib, and a development environment (e.g., VS Code in Ubuntu 20.04.1).  The ECE3311 Ubuntu VDI image (with all necessary software installed) is also available for use on the VirtualBox virtual machine (VM) environment. Note that instructions on how to install/setup VirtualBox are available from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-S7uotdfZTo and the ECE3311 Ubuntu VDI image can be downloaded from the WPI network using WPI credentials.

Regarding the agenda for this tutorial, it consists of the following:
(1) 15 minutes: Making sure all Python installations are up-and-running (all Python environments need to be implemented in advance!!)
(2) 20 minutes: The Basics -- Data Types, For Loops, Functions, Objects & Classes
(3) 15 minutes: NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib
(4) 20 minutes: Example -- Playing with Sinusoidal Signals in Time and Frequency Domains
(5) 10 minutes: Plotting
(6) 10 minutes: Using Jupyter Notebooks

At the end of this tutorial, it is expected that attendees will gain an initial understanding of how Python can be employed in ECE applications such as communication systems engineering, as well as gain insights on the various tools and development environments available for working with Python.