Description
In this workshop we will learn
the basics of python by coding a program that will figure out awesome names for new babies or characters for a book/movie/game.We will use python, since it’s an easy programming language to learn, works well on most computers, and can be used for many different things. We will learn how to easily extract information from large data files, and combine it into useful information. In the process we will learn about some useful data structures in python: lists, sets and dictionaries.
Background
We recently had babies, and coming up with names for them was very complicated. My spouse is French, I am from Mexico, and we live in english-speaking Canada; ideally we wanted something that would work in all three languages. It’s easy to find long lists of names for practically any language, so all we needed to do was find a way to find the names that worked best in french, english, and spanish. Figuring out what exactly is “works best” is the fun part.
Bonus
If time permits, we will also look for cabalistic properties in the names (convert name to numbers: A-1, B-2,…), like checking which names are prime numbers, how far into the decimals of Pi can you find the name,
etc.
Who
This is an intro to coding course, so anyone is welcome, particularly if you’ve never coded and want to learn. Join us. People younger than 16 will need to bring a guardian.
When
December 3, 2015, from 7:30 to 10pm at the Vancouver Hackspace.
Requirements
We need everyone to have a laptop with python (and ipython) installed. The easiest way is to download the free version of Canopy on a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer (I’m not sure if it works on ChromeOS). I have a couple of laptops I can lend if anyone has trouble finding one. A donation of $5 for VHS members and $10 for non members is recommended. 100% of donations will go the hackspace.
Sign up here: Coding for everyday life Tickets, Thu, Dec 3, 2015 at 7:30 PM | Eventbrite