This course has finished, please see the 2012 Internet Programming in Python Syllabus

UW Certificate Program in Python Programming

Internet Programming in Python

Winter Term, 2011 - (10 Sessions) Tuesdays 6 - 9 pm, January 11 through March 15

This program also includes Programmming in Python (Autumn 2010) and System Development with Python (Spring 2011).

Summary. Readings. Schedule.

Course objectives: This course emphasizes distributed programs and web applications - how they work and how to program them in Python. Students will explore the underlying principles and their expression in Python libraries. Students will learn contrasting approaches in creating applications: programming with the low-level libraries versus using highly integrated frameworks. All topics will be presented with a focus on solving real problems with simple, pragmatic code.

Prerequisites: Students should have successfully completed Programmming in Python or have an equivalent level of experience. Contact the instructor prior to registering if not in the certificate program.

Textbooks: Various online sources will be used.

Instructor: Brian Dorsey.
Brian Dorsey is a database and Python developer with over 10 years of experience using Python professionally. He currently works at Vulcan Inc., developing command line tools, simple web applications, Windows services, HTTP/JSON APIs and the occasional iPhone prototype. He is excited about information, databases, user experience, testing and glue code. Brian is a co-organizer of the Seattle Python Interest Group (www.seapig.org) and has given several talks and tutorials at conferences and user groups.

Technology Requirements: Students must have access to a computer for their assignments and projects, where they can install software (the course does not provide a computer laboratory). It is recommended that students have a portable computer to bring to class. Internet access will be provided at classes.

Assessment criteria: The course is graded Pass/Fail, based on satisfactory completion of required programming assignments and classroom presentations. Attendance is required; more than two unexcused absences will result in a Fail.

Disability accommodation: The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. For information or to request disability accommodation contact: Disability Services Office: 206.543.6450/V, 206.543.6452/TTY, 206.685.7264 (FAX), or e-mail at dso@u.washington.edu.

Assignments may be completed in groups of 1-3 people. Students are encouraged to actively consult each other and share any relevant reference and support material. However, all code submitted for assignments must be completely written by each group.

Readings

See the Schedule below for specific readings each week.

Reference

Python 2.6 Quick Reference (awesomely dense and complete)
Python 2.6.5 documentation (official documentation from python.org)
Python Standard Library - Internet Protocols and Support
Python Module of the Week - examples of using the modules in the standard library.

Schedule

# local install
(download http://media.djangoproject.com/releases/1.2/Django-1.2.5.tar.gz)
tar xvfz Django-1.2.5.tar.gz    (or use 7zip on Windows)
cd Django-1.2.5/
python setup.py install
python
>>> import django
>>> django.get_version()
'1.2.5'
    

# VM install:
$ wget http://media.djangoproject.com/releases/1.2/Django-1.2.5.tar.gz
$ tar xvfz Django-1.2.5.tar.gz
$ cd Django-1.2.5/
$ sudo python setup.py install
$ python
>>> import django
>>> django.get_version()
'1.2.5'