Python Resources

Tutorials | Q&A | User Blogs | Books

Sherpa is an importable module for the dynamic, object-oriented Python programming language, which means you can write your own Python scripts for use in Sherpa. This easily allows for creating complex analysis and modeling functions, building batch-mode analysis, and extending the provided functionality to meet required needs. Below is a list of Python resources which you may find helpful as you conduct your scientific analysis in Sherpa. To learn about the key features of Python, refer to the official Python website.

Tutorials

The Python Tutorial: Comprehensive documentation provided by the official Python website.
Dive into Python: On-line version of the book Dive into Python, including many detailed examples of usage which prove helpful to both beginner and experienced Python users.
Practical Python for Astronomers: A series of hands-on workshops to explore the Python language and the analysis tools it provides. The emphasis is on using Python to solve real-world problems that astronomers are likely to encounter in research.
Ask SciPy: A site hosted on scipy.org which allows you to submit a question about Python and receive answers from other users of the site (questions are not limited to those about the scipy or numpy packages).
Sherpa Blog: Includes useful tips and tricks on using Python in Sherpa.
Plumber Jack: Documents miscellaneous items relating to the Python logging package.
Doug Hellmann: The "Python Module of the Week" series provides examples of usage of the various modules contained in the Python standard library.
Beginning Python: From Novice to Professional, by Magnus Lie Hetland
A Primer on Scientific Programming with Python, by Hans Petter Langtangen
Python Scripting for Computational Science, Hans Petter Langtangen
Beginning Python Visualization: Crafting Visual Transformation Scripts, by Shai Vaingast