VPython Functions: Difference between revisions
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Introduction to functions in Python and applying them to write shorter and more understandable code. | |||
==The Main Idea== | ==The Main Idea== | ||
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==Basic Functions== | |||
Basic Python function syntax: | |||
def functionName(argumentOne, argumentTwo): | |||
functionReturnValue = argumentOne + argumentTwo | |||
return functionReturnValue | |||
Example function that adds three numbers together | |||
def addNumbers(a, b, c): | |||
return a + b + c | |||
Example use of that function | |||
seven = addNumbers(1, 2, 4) | |||
===Vectors=== | ===Vectors=== | ||
Revision as of 14:57, 5 December 2015
Created by Natalie Standish Traded to Kevin Randrup
Introduction to functions in Python and applying them to write shorter and more understandable code.
The Main Idea
The main idea of this page is to serve as an aid for future physics students in writing python code during lab. Python, especially for students who are not very experienced with coding, can be a little confusing and sometimes stressful. This page should help give students the information that they would have to look up outside of the lab instructions but all in one place so that they can focus on the physics aspect of the course and not take too much time worrying about the coding in lab.
Basic Functions
Basic Python function syntax:
def functionName(argumentOne, argumentTwo):
functionReturnValue = argumentOne + argumentTwo
return functionReturnValue
Example function that adds three numbers together
def addNumbers(a, b, c):
return a + b + c
Example use of that function
seven = addNumbers(1, 2, 4)
Vectors
vector = vector(x,y,z)
Spheres
sphere = sphere(pos=POS, color=color.COLOR, radius=RADIUS ) POS: a vector giving the sphere location COLOR: Options can be found on http://matplotlib.org/examples/color/named_colors.html RADIUS: The radius of the sphere (usually given by the lab instructions)
Arrows
arrow = arrow(pos=POS, axis=AXIS color=color.COLOR) POS: where the head of the arrow is to be placed AXIS: the line that we want the axis to go along (generally some position - * position) COLOR: Options can be found on http://matplotlib.org/examples/color/named_colors.html
Connectedness
VPython is an important tool in PHYS 2211 and PHYS 2212 because it is able to take a very abstract concept and give a visual explanation to the student.
See also
Are there related topics or categories in this wiki resource for the curious reader to explore? How does this topic fit into that context?
Further reading
Books, Articles or other print media on this topic
External links
Phython colors: http://matplotlib.org/examples/color/named_colors.html
References
This section contains the the references you used while writing this page http://matplotlib.org/examples/color/named_colors.html n?