IT-109 – Introduction to Computer
Programming (Python)
Sections 003 and 005
Instructor: Gene Shuman
Spring 2019
Introduction to IT-109 and Python
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Software – the Good and the Bad
• In the past 50 years software – a concept unknown before
~1970 – has become a vital part of modern infrastructure
• It’s invisible and provides the “brain” that automates processes,
controls devices, makes us productive, provides amusement,
and helps us keep up with the world
• Creating good software systems is very difficult and frequently
very expensive and time consuming despite 30+ years of trying
to figure out how to do it better
• Creating high quality software is just hard to do
• The primary goal of this course is to teach you how to create
software to help solve problems or for some specific purpose
• Congratulations on rising to the challenge!
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Things Controlled by Software
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More Things Controlled by Software
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And More Things Controlled by Software
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Still More Things Controlled by Software
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And Still More Things Controlled by Software
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Things Controlled by Software (Last example slide)
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Software and the Practice of IT
• “I hate writing code”
• OK - Most IST graduates, including some specializing in DTP, will
probably not have jobs that involve writing software code
• But almost every IT-related job requires interacting with some
facet of software development or support
• As an IT expert with an IST degree should have a well-rounded IT
education that includes how software is created and works
• Doctors-in-training study anatomy and dissect cadavers to learn
the details of what’s inside a human body
• Likewise, IT experts need to learn how the
inside of software-intensive systems work
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Software and the Practice of IT
• “I love writing code”
• OK – this course, and the follow-on IT-209, are a great start to a
career as a software developer
• You should consider concentrating your IT degree in Database
and Programming
• If you like to do it and, especially if you’re good at it, you should
have no problem finding a job and staying employed
• But be aware that many “programming” jobs have large portions
that don’t involve writing code
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Who are we, and why are we here?
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Name
Major
Year/standing
Transfer student?
Day job?
Your goal in taking this course?
Have you written a program before?
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IT-109 Syllabus Review
• Course syllabus review (see separate document)
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How to Succeed in This Course
• Read the assigned material prior to or immediately after the
associated class – whether textbook or other source
• You must write code to learn how to do it. You will make many
mistakes – learn from them while their price is low.
• Don’t start assignments or study for exams at the last minute –
devote several sessions on those activities well before the due
dates – learning is best done in many small increments or layers
• Attend classes and labs – attend class regularly (informally, ≤ 3
absences) and miss no more than 1 Lab – the classes and Labs
require only 2.2% of your weekly time
• Participate in the classes and Labs – focus your attention on them
while there (“Be here now”)
• Learn to help yourself (e.g. www.python.org)
• If you need help consult the GTA during Labs and office hours or me
during office hours
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Python
• Python is a general purpose computer language that can be
used to build almost any kind of software
• Used for
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web development
Data exploration and analysis
AI/Machine learning
Scientific computing
Games
Apps
• Invented in 1990, open source (“free”)
• Lots of third party support libraries
• Large and active community of software developers
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Python vs. Java
• Which is better?
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Python’s Use is Increasing
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Growth of Python Use in High Income Countries
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Well Known Python Software Systems
• Well known software systems written all or partly in Python:
• YouTube
• DropBox
• Google
• Quora
• Instagram
• BitTorrent
• Spotify
• Reddit
• Yahoo Maps
• Hipmunk
• Source: Hartmann Software Group
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Python Web Site
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Python Download
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Python Demo
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Python shell and IDLE editor
Python is interpreted
Interactive vs. script mode
Demo interactive mode
Follow-the-Leader (FTL)
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Assignment
• Find the course site on Blackboard and read the syllabus with
the aim of asking questions at the next class
• Read Chapter 1 of Dawson
• Visit python.org
• Download Python (v 3.6 or later) to the device you will use to
do your programming assignments
• Next time: we will continue (or start) our exploration of
Python interactive mode
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Questions … ?
Gene Shuman
gshuman@gmu.edu
ENGR, Room 2219
Tel#: TBD
Department of Information Sciences and Technology
Volgenau School of Engineering
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