Tag Archives: Python

Using ez430 to control PPTs in Mac

Published Jan 16, 2012 | In Gadgets

After seeing me using my ez430, programmable watch to control ppt’s in my Mac, a couple of people asked me explain how I do it. As usual, instead of sending separate emails, I thought of documenting it here, so that it would be useful for others.

The following are the steps you need to follow.

  • Plugin the ez430 USB dongle to the USB port of your Mac
  • Pair the USB dongle and your ez430 watch
  • Install python and Serial library
  • Download or clone the ez430 tools repo from github
  • Open up your ppt presentation
  • Open terminal, navigate to the directory where you have ez430 tools package files and then type the command python ppt-mac.py
  • And you are done :)

Let me know if you face any issues.

Posted in Gadgets | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

One month with Python

Published Sep 10, 2006 | In Web Programming

It’s been a month since I started playing with Python and I was able to tame it and now it has become a good pet. ;)

Many guys asked me what my favorite IDE for Python is after seeing my crush for IDE’s and my interest with Python.

Well, initially I was using the default IDLE which came with Python distribution and after getting a hold of the syntax I started using PyDEV, a plugin for Eclipse. PyDEV lets you to use all the features of Eclipse for developing both Python and Jython programs.

If you are looking for a decent, free IDE for Python then PyDEV will surely suit your needs.

I have solved some exercise problems from books I have used to learn Python and will try to post them here after refining them a bit.

Any one else playing with Python?

Posted in Web Programming | Tagged , | 4 Comments

My First two weeks with Python

Published Aug 27, 2006 | In Web Programming

After getting lot of recommendations I have started with Python and here are my thought on it after fiddling with it for the past two weeks.

With in a couple of hours into Python it became evident to me that I have taken the right decision. It’s really very powerful and also you write very minimal but robust code when compared with other languages. Python has the right balance between syntax easiness and powerfulness. Like Java the designers of Python have designed it such a way so that it discourages bad coding but at the same time have not made it too bulky in syntax.

The following are some of the features which I like in Python, presented in no particular order

  • No statement delimiter – not even braces to represent block of code, just plain indentations.
  • Very very powerful built-in library – It has almost all the features that you want.
  • Built in support for complex data types like list and dictionary.
  • Short hand multiple assignment statements.
  • Powerful introspection
  • List comprehensions

and the list goes on…

I have already finished reading Swaroop’s Byte of Python and am currently half way through Mark’s Dive into Python.

If you are a beginner to Python that Byte of Python is an excellent book and once you get a hang of the syntax you can read Dive into Python which teaches you the advanced concepts.

Posted in Web Programming | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

What should I learn next, Python or Ruby?

Published Aug 15, 2006 | In Web Programming

It’s been quite some time since I learned a new skill and this feeling has started to haunt my mind. I have had thing feeling quite a few times before and every time it resulted in me adding a new skill to my resume. In 2004 it was PHP and in 2005 it made me to (re)learn Javascript for Ajax and in 2006, almost 7 months have gone :( and so I have decided to get my hands dirty on something new.

The two new things top on my list are Python and Ruby and I have to decide upon either one of them. So guys, I am looking for your suggestion since I am new to both of them. If you have used any one of them then do share those experience with me.

Right now I am slightly biased towards Python, after knowing that even Jeremy is learning it. More over both Drive into Python by Mark and the Yahoo Python Developer center could assist me. ;)

So will the snake swallow the gem?

Posted in Web Programming | Tagged , | 13 Comments