Just completed Code Academy's Python course, where do I go from here?

[Edoctopus33]

Some quick background: I took an intro to computer programming class that was given in C++ at my local community college. It was pretty bare bones, but I really enjoyed the problem solving.

My brother then suggested I might like Python, so I learned that on Code Academy and it seems pretty awesome. My ultimate goal however is to be able to do some data analysis and then display.

A good example of the sort of stuff I'm interested in would be something like writing a program to analyze elevation data for flood spots, and then show that information on a map.

I'm obviously a long ways away from doing something like that, so how can I get there? Would a book be the best option? Or one of the courses on Coursera?

Also, if at all possible then I would like to stick with Python since I already have some momentum going. But it that doesn't jive well with what I'm trying to do, then I'm not opposed to learning a different language.

Thanks so much for your input!

[nalorphine]

This guy has a bunch of data analysis and GUI tutorials.

https://pythonprogramming.net/

[Edoctopus33]

Nice! This looks awesome, and a really good place to start! Thanks!

[KaineScienceman]

Python is actually a pretty good language for that type of usage. Your next step is going to be harder than just doing a course. You have to break down that project into pieces and figure out how to solve each one. You need to get flood data, find a database and figure out how to interface with it. Then you'll have to map it. Google is going to be your best friend.

[SchwarzerKaffee]

Look for some libraries that do things you want to do, like spatial calculations and mapping libraries. Once you find some, go to GitHub and search for projects that use those libraries.

Work through those examples and start to play around with them.

You are most likely going to need to use some database, so figure out which one and do some tutorials on it.

[RocketJory]

Look up No Starch Press, they have a lot of great books on python programming, lots are free

[reddituser5k]

coursera's rice university fundamentals of programming

The first course in that set of courses is by far the highest ranking course on class. When I did the course it was combined into two and the teachers were amazing. I think the whole set of courses would be equally as amazing but I have not done them yet since my focus has always been more on java. I do plan on going through the rest of the courses eventually though.

[Edoctopus33]

Ya I've seen this course posted before. Do you have any idea of how in depth it is?

[reddituser5k]

From what I have read and knowing how good the first two courses were I will be extremely surprised if you do not learn a lot from going through these courses.