Part 0: Getting Started. Basics

A basic computing course, covering both an introduction to using a computer and to programming (e.g., CS 30), is a prerequisite. In practice, though, not everyone is familiar with that material, so we begin with an “Assignment 0” that involves logging onto the computer and entering and running very simple programs. We provide tutorials on the linux operating system used in the Physics Department computer lab, for those who will do their work there.

Exercises

  1. Log onto your computer account and make sure it works.
  2. At the command line, set up your Python environment (EPD 7.3) by running:

    122setup

  3. When needed, use the Firefox browser:

    firefox16

  4. If you are not already familiar with an editor, read one of the tutorials on vi commands here.
  5. Open the file AddTwoNumbers.py here and type in the Python program that reads in two numbers and adds them.

    NOTE: Nested statements are indented. Every indentation must be four contiguous spaces. Two indentations will be eight contiguous spaces.

  6. Open the second file FirstPrimes.py here and type in the program that prints the first dozen or so prime numbers.

    IMPORTANT: Please do not cut and paste the programs. Spend the 5-10 minutes it takes to type them in yourself, especially if you are not so familiar with an editor and with Python. The reason we ask you to do this is that it will provide useful practice. For example, if you have a typo in your code, you'll get experience with the sorts of error messages Python gives and how to find and eliminate the problems. This will be useful later.

  7. Run your programs, using:

    python AddTwoNumbers.py

    and

    python FirstPrimes.py

  8. Once your programs are running, pick one and change one of the indented lines from identing four spaces to three spaces. What happens when you run it? Repair the file so that it runs again.
  9. Practice using some of the other basic linux commands. For example, list the files in your directory. Make a copy of the files you created above and the like.
  10. Email the files you created to the TA.
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