Python playground : geeky projects for the curious programmer

Python is a powerful programming language that's easy to learn and fun to play with. But once you've gotten a handle on the basics, what do you do next?__Python Playground__is a collection of imaginative programming projects that will inspire you to use Python to make art and music, build simulations of real-world phenomena, and interact with hardware like the Arduino and Raspberry Pi. You'll learn to use common Python tools and libraries like numpy, matplotlib, and pygame to do things like:Generate Spirograph-like patterns using parametric equations and the turtle moduleCreate music on your computer by simulating frequency overtonesTranslate graphical images into ASCII artWrite an autostereogram program that produces 3D images hidden beneath random patternsMake realistic animations with OpenGL shaders by exploring particle systems, transparency, and billboarding techniquesConstruct 3D visualizations using data from CT and MRI scansBuild a laser show that responds to music by hooking up your computer to an ArduinoProgramming shouldn't be a chore. Have some solid, geeky fun with__Python Playground__. Python is a powerful programming language that's easy to learn and fun to play with. But once you've gotten a handle on the basics, what do you do next?Python Playground is a collection of imaginative programming projects that will inspire you to use Python to make art and music, build simulations of real-world phenomena, and interact with hardware like the Arduino and Raspberry Pi. You'll learn to use common Python tools and libraries like numpy, matplotlib, and pygame to do things like:–Generate Spirograph-like patterns using parametric equations and the turtle module–Create music on your computer by simulating frequency overtones–Translate graphical images into ASCII art–Write an autostereogram program that produces 3D images hidden beneath random patterns–Make realistic animations with OpenGL shaders by exploring particle systems, transparency, and billboarding techniques–Construct 3D visualizations using data from CT and MRI scans–Build a laser show that responds to music by hooking up your computer to an ArduinoProgramming shouldn't be a chore. Have some solid, geeky fun with Python Playground.The projects in this book are compatible with both Python 2 and 3. Python is a powerful programming language thats easy to learn and fun to play with. But once youve gotten a handle on the basics, what do you do next? Python Playground is a collection of imaginative programming projects that will inspire you to use Python to make art and music, build simulations of real-world phenomena, and interact with hardware like the Arduino and Raspberry Pi. Youll learn to use common Python tools and libraries like numpy, matplotlib, and pygame to do things like: Generate Spirograph-like patterns using parametric equations and the turtle module Create music on your computer by simulating frequency overtones Translate graphical images into ASCII art Write an autostereogram program that produces 3D images hidden beneath random patterns Make realistic animations with OpenGL shaders by exploring particle systems, transparency, and billboarding techniques Construct 3D visualizations using data from CT and MRI scans Build a laser show that responds to music by hooking up your computer to an Arduino Programming shouldnt be a chore. Have some solid, geeky fun with Python Playground . The projects in this book are compatible with both Python 2 and 3. Python is a powerful programming language that's fun to play around with. Getting to know Python isn't just about hammering syntax into your brain--it's about discovering new tools to explore whatever excites you. Python Playground is a collection of fun programming projects that will inspire you to new heights as a Pythonista. Inside, you'll learn to use Python for all kinds of playful purposes. You'll manipulate images, build simulations, and interact with hardware using Arduino and Raspberry Pi. As you work through each project, you'll power up your programming skills as you learn how to leverage external libraries for specialized tasks, how to break problems into smaller, solvable pieces, and how to translate an algorithm into code Content: Warming up. Parsing iTunes playlists Spirographs -- Simulating life. Conway's Game of Life Generating musical overtones with the Karplus-Strong algorithm -- Fun with images. ASCII art Photomosaics Autostereograms -- Enter 3D. Understanding OpenGL Particle systems Volume rendering -- Hardware hacking. Introduction to the Arduino Laser audio display A Raspberry Pi-based weather monitor -- Appendix A. Software installation -- Appendix B. Basic practical electronics -- Appendix C. Raspberry Pi tips and tricks. Provides instructions for programming projects using Python that teach such programming skills as how to leverage external libraries for specialized tasks, how to break problems into solvable pieces, and how to translate an algorithm into code Mahesh Venkitachalam. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.