John's Random Thoughts and Discussions
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Working in computer science means knowing how to work with computer languages, but it also means knowing how to use math to obtain the results you want. Some math is relatively straightforward, but some becomes so complicated that you really do need some type of process or procedure for working with it. Essential Algorithms by … Continue reading “Review of Essential Algorithms”
I’ve had more than a few readers write and ask how someone becomes a programmer. Of course, that’s a loaded question. The first thing that you must decide is what a programmer does, who they are as a member of society, and what they contribute to society. There are many fields that could be construed … Continue reading “Becoming a Programmer”
None of my Python books, including Algorithms for Dummies, 2nd Edition, Beginning Programming with Python For Dummies, 3rd Edition, Machine Learning for Dummies, 2nd Edition, Machine Learning Security Principles, and Python for Data Science for Dummies, show how to compile a Python program. This is because the interpreted nature of Python makes it easier to work with … Continue reading “Compiling Python”
This is an update of a post that originally appeared on February 10, 2014. Sometimes it’s hard to know precisely how to cover information in a book because each reader’s needs are different. One reader may be somewhat knowledgeable and not need tutorials, another reader might me a complete novice and require more assistance. Over the … Continue reading “Finding Code::Blocks Tutorials”
This is an update of a post that originally appeared on December 13, 2011. I constantly tell readers they need to view my books as a starting point, rather than the end of their education on a particular subject. This sentiment holds true for C++ All-In-One for Dummies, 4th Edition as it does for all of … Continue reading “Mind Boggling Questions in C++”
This is an update of a post that originally appeared on May 23, 2011. Errors in software happen. A file is missing on the hard drive or the user presses an unexpected key combination. There are errors of all shapes and sizes; expected and unexpected. The sources of errors are almost limitless. Some developers look at … Continue reading “Creating Sensible Error Trapping”
This is an update of a post that originally appeared on May 13, 2015. Readers sometimes ask me the same question often enough that I feel compelled to provide the answer on my blog so that everyone has the benefit of seeing it. C++ does have a switch statement, but you need to use a numeric … Continue reading “C++ Switch Statement Using Strings”
This is an update of a post that originally appeared on November 7, 2014. I often wonder when I create a blog post whether the technology I’m describing will stand the test of time. In this case, I asked whether the reader would like to be able to type application code faster and with fewer … Continue reading “Antiquated Technology Making Developers Faster”
This is an update of a post that originally appeared on April 25, 2016. All of my current Python language books (and those I collaborated on with Luca Massaron): Machine Learning Security Principles, Algorithms for Dummies, 2nd Edition, Beginning Programming with Python For Dummies, 3rd Edition, Python for Data Science for Dummies, and Machine Learning for … Continue reading “IPython Magic Functions”
According to just understanding data, a data science consultancy, “data science lies at the intersection between statistics, programming and hacking.” And many businesses can take advantage of data science because it can help them identify patterns that you can use to improve your business’s operations. But, what exactly is it? Data science is the act … Continue reading “Beta Readers Needed for Python for Data Science for Dummies”