Complete Beginner Help

[Inversion]

I've been thinking of starting coding for a while now. I haven't done computing science in school in 4 years but since I've been attending open days, I've learned that I will be coding for my course (Astrophysics). I've been told they do teach from the ground up but current students have said that if you know stuff beforehand it makes life way easier. 

 

I don't know much about it but I believe they said at Glasgow they use MatLab and Python and Edinburgh mentioned Python. I think St Andrews also use Python and I figured it might be worth learning the basics. They also use Raspberry Pis but I'm not wanting to drop cash to buy one

 

How do I get started? What do I need/need to know? Would it be worth using Linux rather than Windows 10 (I tried Linux once and I think they use Ubuntu or similar in the observatories)

 

Thanks in advance.

[RudePlayers]

lynda.com has some great python content if you want to get a head start on stuff.

[Inversion]

Just now, RudePlayers said:

lynda.com has some great python content if you want to get a head start on stuff.

is there cost?

[Mira Yurizaki]

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/python/

https://www.learnpython.org/

 

The biggest thing to know though is which version of Python is being used. There's Python 2.7 and Python 3.x. And they're not completely compatible with each other for some reason.

[efberto]

If you are thinking about learning C++ i could give you a introduction to programming. There are also good videos on YouTube from the newboston. If you are interested just pm me and I could help you at least getting started   

 

Much love

efbertson