Session: S08: Introduction to Scientific Computing with Python   Title: S8: Introduction to Scientific Computing with Python   Chair: Eric A. Jones (Enthought, inc. )   Time: Sunday, November 16, 8:30AM - 12:00PM   Rm #: 42   Speaker(s)/Author(s):     Eric A Jones (Enthought, inc), Travis Oliphant (Brigham Young University), Pat Miller (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory)       Description:   Content-Level: 50% Introductory 50% Intermediate 0% Advanced Abstract: Python has emerged as an excellent choice for scientific computing because of its simple syntax, ease of use, and elegant multi-dimensional array arithmetic. Its interpreted evaluation allows it to serve as both the development langauge and the command line environment in which to explore data. Python also excels as a "glue" -- a common need in the scientific arena. This tutorial introduces the Python programming language to scientists. The pace is fast and geared toward individuals already comfortable with a programming language such as Matlab, C, or Fortran. Attendees will learn the basic constructs of the language and how to do basic numerical analysis with Python. The 3rd section covers the SciPy library (www.scipy.org) that provides modules for linear algebra, signal processing, optimization, statistics, genetic algorithms, interpolation, ODE solvers, special functions, etc. The final section focuses on the Chaco graphics infrastructure for creating scientific plots. There is a companion tutorial in the afternoon that covers more advanced topics such as wrapping legacy Fortran and C/C++ codes as well as parallel programming with Python. A Windows version of Python (Enthought Edition) will be available on CD for attendees to install and use during the tutorial. The installation includes Python, Numeric, SciPy, wxPython, and VTK as well as other packages useful for scientific computing.   Link: Download PDF