1. Python Programming Fundamentals
GIT461 GIS
Python Programming Fundamentals

2. Python Programming Environment
We will use the “PythonWin” version 2.7 system
This programming environment includes a code editor and a code interpreter
A code interpreter executes statements line-by-line as you type them – very useful for testing
A Code editor is used to type a complete program that is later tested and “de-bugged”

3. PythonWin Environment
Interpreter window is displayed first.
You can type and execute simple statements in this window.

4. PythonWin Environment
To type a Python script program select “File > New > Script”.
Type in code and save with a .py extention.
A good idea to have a folder such as “\PythonProgs\” just for source code scripts.

5. PythonWin Environment
To load an existing python script select “File > Open” to load script into an edit window.

6. PythonWin Environment
To run a script you should load it, and then select “File > Run”
Note that you may enter “command line arguments” at this point if needed
Select “OK” button to run the script

7. Python Programming Fundamentals
Google “Python Language Reference” to load this help file

8. Python Data Types String: a sequence of alphanumeric characters
Integer: a whole number that has no fractional component
Float: a number that contains a fractional component
String example: “105 Glendale Avenue” (note that strings are enclosed in quotes)
Integer examples: 100, -19, 0,
Float examples: 1.0, , E3

9. Python Assignment Statement
The “=“ sign is the assignment operator as it is in most programming languages
X = 1
Print X # the number “1” will appear on the screen
X = X + 5
Print X # the number “6” will appear on the screen

10. Python Comments A python comment begins with a “#”.
Anything after the “#” is ignored by Python
The 1st line in the below script is a comment line- it is ignored by Python
The characters to the right of the “#” on lines 2-5 are ignored
# get x1, y1, x2, y2 from the command line
x1param = float(StripComma(sys.argv[1])) # x1
y1param = float(StripComma(sys.argv[2])) # y1
x2param = float(StripComma(sys.argv[3])) # x2
y2param = float(StripComma(sys.argv[4])) # y2

11. Python Operators (in order of precedence)
Multiplication: *
Division: /
Modulus: %
Addition: +
Subtraction: -

12. Expressions
Expressions are combinations of data and operators:

13. Built-in Python Functions
A function takes an “argument” or “arguments” and returns a value that can be used in an assignment statement
In the below satements abs(x) and pow(x,y) are built-in functions in every implementation of the Python language
x = abs(-8)
print x # the number “8” would appear in the interactive window
y = pow(2,3)
print y # the number “8” would appear in the interactive window

14. Python Built-In Functions
abs(x) # returns the absolute value of x
float(x) # returns the string x converted to a floating point number
int(x) # returns the string x converted to a integer number
pow(x,y) # returns the number x rasied to the y power
round(x,n) # rounds the number x to n decimal places
str(x) # returns the string equivalent of the object x

15. More Complex Expressions using Functions and Exponentiation
Note that trig functions use radian angular values.
You must convert degrees to radians before using the trig functions ( radians = degrees * /180.0).
Note that before using the trig functions the math “module” had to be imported.

16. Controlling Program Flow: Conditional Statements
A statement uses “reserved” python language words to initiate an action
A conditional statement makes a decision at run-time
X = 10
If x == 10 :
print “X=10”
Note: everything indented
Below the “If” statement is
Part of the statement.

17. Conditional Statements: More Complex IF/ELIF/ELSE construct
The “elif” and “else” keywords can be used to construct more complex decision structures
x = random.randint(1,10)
If x == 1 :
print “you are in first place”
Elif x == 2 :
print “you are in second place”
Elif x == 3 :
print “you are in third place”
Else :
print “ sorry, you didn’t place this time”

18. Controlling program flow with a loop: While statement
While statements can be used to repeat a section of code until some condition is reached.
i = 0
While i <= 10 :
print I
i = i + 1
# you could also use i += 1

19. For Loops
A “For” loop uses a “list”. First a list must be built before it can be used in the For loop
Mylist = [“A”, “B”, “C”, “D”]
For letter in Mylist :
print letter # the letters “A” through “D” would print to the screen

20. Getting User Input: command line
Command line parameters are entered at run time in the “Run Script” window

21. Getting User Input: “Input” function
The “input” function prompts the user for input during the running of the script

22. User Input: Input function
Note that if you use the “input” function and you enter a string value it must be enclosed in quotes (single or double).

23. Functions
A function is a stand-alone section of code that is designed to accomplish a specific task based on one or more parameters passed to the function
The function returns a calculated result so a function normally appears in the main code to the right of an assignment (=) statement so the returned value is stored in the variable on the left side of the assignment statement

24. Function Placement
Functions are normally placed at the top of the main program file because they need to be defined before they are referenced in the main program
Below is an example function that converts a longitude string value (“ ”) to its decimal degree number equivalent