Week 2 - BALT 4363 - Python Data Manipulation

After delving more into the inner workings of Python, I realized my initial hesitancy regarding this particular programming language was unfounded. I believed that Python would be difficult to work with because of its inherent nature as a programming language. I’ve experimented with different programming languages in the past, all of which were difficult to work with and comprehend. It follows that I would expect Python to be cumbersome as well. Instead, I was quickly surprised to find that it was simple to use and understand.



I also found it interesting that many of the different coding functions that Python uses are similar to those of Microsoft Excel. This may be why I found this programming language more intuitive than the ones I’ve experimented with in the past. For example, the “=IF” function in Excel can return a similar output to that of Python’s “if” statements. Furthermore, the “=IF” function in Excel can be combined with the “=OR” function. This combination of Excel functions very closely mirrors Python’s “if-else” statements. As such, an understanding of Python may be easier to grasp for individuals who are familiar with the workings of Microsoft Excel.

The need for organization is one of the most important aspects of coding I’ve learned from using Python. Indentation separates blocks of code to ensure said code is readable and distinct from others and their functions. Additionally, this practice makes certain that the structural logic is interpreted correctly. The use of comments also aids in this task of organization by improving code readability and streamlining an understanding of why a particular line of code is included or written in a particular way.

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