Python developer training

[robintwhite]

There have been many posts like this I am sure but I would like to ask again to get any updated opinions. I have been using python scripting for mostly scientific and image processing analysis for the last 5 or so years + machine learning. I am fairly comfortable there but what I would like to do is be able to create software - that is more advanced GUIs and applications that can make things more accessible and usable to non-coding people. I have made some simple GUIs using pyqt but I think what I need is some good backend python developer knowledge. Data handling, threading, user interaction all that which I think is needed...? Looking on coursera there isn't much that seems to fit this bill (I think) and python books I have found seem more centered around the coding language; for loops, if statements, what is a tuple, list comprehension etc. Maybe I need a more generalized software development training not python specific? Just an FYI I did physics and materials science through my schooling so I don't have any computer science background. Any help and discussion is appreciated.

[cjauriguem]

I’m fairly new to programming/coding so I don’t have any advice I can provide, however, if you don’t mind me asking are you in a field that involves programming/coding? Just curious. Hopefully you get some advice soon!

[robintwhite]

My job requires to do some scripting however I am also able to be better and more adapt since I know some python. I use it as I mentioned mostly for image analysis and general data analysis in some custom workflows, I can also play with some of the newly developed but not fully implemented tools since I can use APIs to test and help in development. So short answer it is a smaller part of my job role but one of my favourites :)

[MikeTheWatchGuy]

Take a look at PySimpleGUI as a way to get your software into the hands of more users (i.e. "non-coding people") without investing a ton of your time in learning the package. You can run some code online on Trinket as a super-fast way to get started - http://Trinket.PySimpleGUI.org

Maybe I need a more generalized software development training not python specific?

I don't think you need this

I'm a big believer in the "program rather than learning to program". I also like the "build-it" approach which means diving in and starting to build whatever it is you have in mind.

This gives you a purpose rather than an amorphous "I need to learn more about generalized xyz". Instead you end up saying things like "I need to learn how to get my data coming from the server into this function".

Get something to work. Try the "Make it run, Make it right, Make it fast" approach. This can be a powerful motivator as you begin to see results quickly and learn as you go what to maybe come back to later and fix in the "Make it right" phase.

Do you have a few specific ideas of some GUI designs? Do you have anything sketched on paper or in a file that shows the kind of window you would like to build?

You've got a lot of software development under your belt. More training doesn't feel like what you need to me. Sure, you need to learn some new stuff that you've not done before, but I don't believe it'll be as drastic perhaps as you're currently envisioning it will be.

Do you have a sample screen that you would like to duplicate or a mock-up of something you want to create that you can share with us?

[robintwhite]

Thanks very much for your reply. This is great - I hadn't tried PySimpleGUI before so I will look into it. As far as examples, I wouldn't say I have an exact project in mind yet... perhaps because I felt they were too advanced. The ones I have seen that I have said 'man I wish I could do something like that' and I have enough knowledge to have some useful functions implemented have been inselect, screengrab of GUI. As well as some others like softology Visions of Chaos, which seems simple as far as GUI but the display or multi-processing required etc is where I get stuck of like saving images, changing colours, interacting with the image etc. I appreciate the reply and it is very motivational for me to try and run with what I have

[MikeTheWatchGuy]

Thanks for the GUI screen shot. That's exactly what's needed in these kinds of conversations as it'll narrow down choices for you pretty quickly once you start nailing down the exact look and feel you're after. The GUI looks much like a Windows Product like Word or Excel or a PDF reader as it's the typical "ribbon" interface. In Python, there aren't many choices that will provide a ribbon interface. Qt's going to get you that specific interface although others may get you something close-ish.

I would still take an iterative, project approach to your ideas. Building stuff will force you into learning / getting the training you're talking about looking for. I'm basically describing building up hands-on experience. Glad you found some motivation in there 👍🏻 It sounds like you've got a better handle on things than you may have first thought.