March 23, 2021 , bY reuven
Python

In the spring of last year, as the coronavirus pandemic began, it was pretty clear that this would be the major event of our lives, and that a lot of people were going to be affected in big, terrible ways — beyond the issues related to the virus itself, and the injury it created. Schools and businesses were shutting down, and we were all a bit scared about what was going to happen.

I decided to offer a free, weekly class, called “Python for non-programmers,” to whoever wanted to join. For 15 weeks, people from around the world joined me to learn Python programming. Whether they wanted to pick up a marketable skill, learn a new hobby, or just take their mind off of the pandemic, they were all welcome to join me. Many joined during the live sessions, but many others learned from the recorded videos.

A year later, I’m delighted to say that more than 2,500 people have taken this free course, and new people continue to sign up every day. I get e-mail about once a week from someone who said that they had always wanted to learn to program, but that other courses were too hard or too advanced, and they gave up. My course gave them the encouragement and support they needed.

It’s true that I earn my living teaching Python, and that I charge money for many of my courses. But it’s also true that I love what I do, in no small part because it helps people to improve their careers, and to accomplish more in less time. Knowing that so many people have taken this course is a bright spot in an otherwise difficult year. When I get e-mail from someone thanking me for the course, it completely makes my day, and reminds me why I so enjoy being a Python trainer.

If you have always wanted to program, but thinks that it’s too hard for them, I invite you to watch the 15 hours of video from “Python for non-programmers.” It is and will remain 100% free of charge.

And if you already know how to program, then please share the course info with people who don’t, but who might benefit from learning. Programming doesn’t have to be difficult or boring. Heck, it can even be fun, as well as useful to know.

Want to sign up? Just go to https://PythonForNonProgrammers.com/, and you’ll be able to start in no time.

February 19, 2021 , bY reuven
Python

Weekly Python Exercise

If you’ve been using Python for a year or more, and want to sharpen your skills, then I have good news: A new cohort of Weekly Python Exercise starts this coming Tuesday.

The course has a simple formula, but one that works:

  • Every Tuesday, for the 15 weeks of the course, you get a question e-mailed to you on Tuesday morning, along with a description and “pytest” tests.
  • The following Monday, you’ll receive the solution, along with a detailed explanation.
  • In between (and after!) you can use our private forum to discuss the problem, and share your solution with others.
  • Once a month, I have live office hours, when I answer questions about the exercises (and Python in general).

Thousands of developers have improved their Python skills with WPE over the last few years. If you’re looking for something that won’t take too much time each week, and which will expose you to new ideas and Python development techniques, then join me in the coming cohort!

Want to join? Or to get a free sample? Or to learn more? Just go to https://WeeklyPythonExercise.com/!

As with all of my courses, I offer discounts to students, seniors/pensioners/retirees, people living outside of the 30 richest countries, and anyone affected adversely by the coronavirus pandemic. Just e-mail me at reuven@lerner.co.il with questions.

But don’t delay… the new cohort starts on Tuesday, and I won’t be offering B1 again until 2022.

December 28, 2020 , bY reuven
Python

Note: As usual, readers of my blog (and my students) found a simpler and more elegant solution than I did… I knew that the boolean “or” operator returned the first “True” value it encountered, but I completely forgot that if it only encounters “False” values, it returns the final one. So there was a far more elegant solution than I suggested, namely “[LIST COMPREHENSION] or None”. I’ll leave this blog post up, since it was still fun to explore these ideas… but as usual, when you get too complex in Python, you’re probably overlooking a simpler and more straightforward solution, as I did here.

A few weeks ago, I held my monthly “office hours” session for subscribers to Weekly Python Exercise. WPE students are always invited not only to ask questions about what we’re learning in the course, but also any other Python-related issue that they have encountered.

Well, someone asked quite a doozy this month: He said that he wants to use a list comprehension to create a list for a project at work. Except that if the list comprehension is empty, then he wants to get a “None” value.

In other words: He wants a list comprehension, or at the very least an expression containing one, which will either return a list (if non-empty) or “None” (if the list is empty).

In answering this question, I managed to pull together what might be the greatest collection of unreadable Python constructs in a single expression. I’m not recommending that you write this sort of code — but it does demonstrate that Python’s syntax does lend itself to all sorts of creative solutions and possibilities, if you know how to combine things.

Let’s start by pointing out that a list comprehension always returns a list. Regardless of how many elements it might contain, the result of a list comprehension is always going to be a list. For example:

>>> [x*x for x in range(5)]
[0, 1, 4, 9, 16]

>>> [x*x for x in range(0)]
[]

In both of the above cases, a list value was returned; there’s no such thing as a list comprehension that returns a non-list value. Even an empty list is a list, after all.

My student would thus need to accept that while a list comprehension could be part of the solution, it couldn’t be the entire solution. We would need something like an if-else statement. For example:

mylist = [x*x for x in range(5)]

if mylist:
    output = mylist
else:
    output = None

The above code will certainly work, and would be my preferred way to solve such a problem. But for whatever reason, my student said that we needed to use a single expression; an if-else statement wouldn’t suffice.

Fortunately, Python does offer an inline, expression version of if-else. I personally find it hard to read and understand, but it’s designed for situations like this one, in which we need a conditional expression. It looks like this:

TRUE_OUTPUT if CONDITION else FALSE_OUTPUT

In other words, it’s a one-line “if-else” expression, returning one value if the condition is met, and another value if it is not. For example:

>>> 'Yes' if True else 'No'
'Yes'
>>> 'Yes' if False else 'No'
'No'

Of course, we can have any expression that we might like. So we could say:

>>> mylist = [x*x for x in range(5)]
>>> mylist if len(mylist) > 0 else None
[0, 1, 4, 9, 16]

In other words: If “mylist” is non-empty, then we’ll get “mylist” back. Otherwise, we’ll get “None” back. And it works!

However, it’s considered un-Pythonic to check for an empty list (or any other empty data structure) by checking its length. Rather, we can check to see if it’s empty simply by putting “mylist” in an “if” statement. In a boolean context, all lists (as well as strings, tuples, and dicts) return “True” so long as they contain any values, but “False” if they’re empty. We can thus rewrite the above code as:

>>> mylist = [x*x for x in range(5)]
>>> mylist if mylist else None
[0, 1, 4, 9, 16]

This is fine, but it’s not a single expression, which was a requirement. Fortunately, we can just squish everything into a single line, replacing any reference to “mylist” with the list comprehension itself:

>>> [x*x for x in range(5)] if [x*x for x in range(5)] else None
[0, 1, 4, 9, 16]

Now, this is getting pretty ugly. Among other things, we have repeated our list comprehension twice in the same line. After all, our one-line “if-else” expression is just that, an expression, with no assignment allowed. So if we want to keep things on a single line, only using expressions, there’s no way for us to store the output from our list comprehension for later, is there?

There wasn’t. But then came Python 3.8 with the “assignment expression” operator, aka “the walrus,” which changed everything. The walrus is designed to be used in just this kind of situation. OK, maybe not quite this ugly of an expression, but it can help us to get out of such pickles.

What I can do is use the walrus operator to capture the list created by the list comprehension. We can then use the variable to which we’ve assigned our list, thus saving us from having to use the list comprehension a second time.

Note that the one-line “if-else” is confusing on several fronts, but nowhere more so than the fact that the condition (in the middle of the expression) executes first, before either of the output expressions is evaluated. This makes sense, when you think about it. but it can still be confusing to put an assignment in the middle of a line, so that it can be used at the start of the line.

So, let’s try it:

output if output := [x*x for x in range(5)] else None

This doesn’t work, and that’s because we need to put the central expression inside of parentheses to ensure that Python’s parser knows what is going on:

>>> output if (output := [x*x for x in range(5)]) else None
[0, 1, 4, 9, 16]

It worked! Thanks to a combination of the condition expression, the walrus operator, list comprehensions, and the fact that empty lists are “False” in a boolean context, we managed to get a single expression that returns the result of a list comprehension when it contains values, and “None” otherwise.

And while I would question the wisdom of having such code in an actual production system, I freely admit that there are times when such hacks are necessary. And despite the fact that Python has a more rigid syntax than many other languages, its functional parts made it possible for us to achieve our goal with only a minimum of code.

November 27, 2020 , bY reuven
Python

It’s time: My Black Friday sale, with 40% off all 25 products in my online store, is live!

What am I offering?

How do you take advantage of this? Just use coupon code BF2020 at checkout. Or click on this link, which will apply it automatically at checkout.

Questions? Just e-mail me at reuven@lerner.co.il, or get me on Twitter as @reuvenmlerner.

November 11, 2020 , bY reuven
PostgreSQL, Python

This is just a reminder that on Sunday, I’ll be teaching a live, 4-hour introductory course on databases and SQL. If you haven’t ever worked with databases before, then this will give you the push that you need to understand how they work, and how to work effectively with them.

I’ve been using SQL for 30 years, but it’s far from an outdated skill. No only do many of the world’s largest companies run on databases using SQL, but the smartphone in your pocket does, too. Moreover, once you understand the basics, you can start to ask serious and interesting questions from public and private datasets.

In this class, I’ll introduce you to SQL via the open-source PostgreSQL database. There will be numerous exercises and many opportunities to ask questions. And after the course is over, you’ll have access to an exclusive forum in which you can ask me questions about SQL.

Sounds good? Sign up here: https://store.lerner.co.il/intro-to-sql

I’ve gotten a lot of e-mail with questions from people curious about the course. So without further ado, here’s a FAQ:

How much programming do I need to know for this course?

None; SQL is a query language, not a programming language. It’ll help to be able to think logically, which programming certainly helps to develop. But we won’t be using any language other than SQL itself.

What will I be able to do after this course?

You’ll understand how relational databases work in a general way. But beyond that, you’ll be able to:

  • Retrieve data using queries.
  • Insert, update, and delete data.
  • Create indexes
  • Assign a “primary key” (and know why that’s important)
  • Understand the value of normalization
  • Perform basic “joins” between tables

I already know some SQL. Is this course a good fit for me?

Probably not. We’ll be doing basic queries — the sort of thing that everyone needs to know when working with databases, but nothing too fancy.

That said, I’ve gotten enough questions like this one that I’ll almost certainly do an “Advanced SQL” course in the coming months.

Is this a course in using Python with SQL?

No, this course is only about SQL. We won’t be using Python! However, just as I’ll be doing an advanced SQL course in the coming months, I’ll probably offer one on using databases from within Python. But you’ll need the knowledge in this course to take that one.

What do I need to install?

I’ll be setting up a virtual machine with PostgreSQL installed, along with the pre-loaded data sets we’ll be using. And I’ll give you a copy of that when we’re done, so that you can practice at home. We’ll likely use a Web-based interface; I’ll give you full details before the course opens. And if you need more help, then I’ll provide it in class and in our forum.

Yeah, what’s with the forum you keep mentioning?

When I did my “pytest” course a few months ago, several people suggested that I provide either office hours or a forum after the course had ended, in case people had follow-up questions. This course will thus have a forum, open to anyone who has registered to ask questions after the course is over. I thus don’t see it as a one-and-done class, but a chance to ask questions and keep learning after it’s over.

Why should I take this course, when there are lots of introductory books and tutorials?

Just as my Python courses go beyond the syntax and help you to really understand what’s going on behind the scenes, this course will help you to think in terms of databases and tables. You’ll understand not just the “what” but the “why.” And when the course is over, you’ll have the foundation you need to learn and do more on your own.

But wait, there’s more: Because this is a live course, you’ll have a chance to ask questions and get detailed explanations. My goal is to really help you learn, and if that means explaining something several times until you get it, then that’s what I’ll do. This isn’t a generic course; it’s one that will cater to your specific needs.

Do you offer any discounts?

Absolutely! My standard discount policy applies:

  • Students
  • Seniors/pensioners/retirees
  • People living outside of the world’s 30 richest countries
  • Anyone affected adversely by the coronavirus/covid-19 pandemic

Questions? Need a discount code? Just e-mail me at reuven@lerner.co.il, or contact me on Twitter as @reuvenmlerner.

Otherwise, learn more and sign up at https://store.lerner.co.il/intro-to-sql. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

October 30, 2020 , bY reuven
PostgreSQL, Python

Have you heard? Data is “the new oil” — meaning, data is the most valuable and important thing in the modern world. Which means that if you can store, retrieve, and organize your data, then you (and your company) are positioned for greater success.

This usually means working with a database — and frequently, a relational database, with which you communicate using a language called SQL.

In other words: SQL is the key to the modern data revolution. But too often, people are put off from learning SQL. It seems weird, even when compared with a programming language.

Well, I have good news: If you want to join the data revolution and work with databases, I’m offering a new course. On November 15th, I’ll be teaching a live, 4-hour online course, “Intro to SQL.” I’ll teach you the basics of what you need to work with a database.

The course includes:

  • Access to the live, 4-hour online course, including numerous exercises and opportunities for Q&A
  • Access to the course recording, forever
  • Participation in our private forum, where you can ask me (and others) database-related questions

I’ve been using databases since 1995, and have been teaching SQL for more than 20 years. This course is based on that corporate training, and is meant to get you jump started into the world of data and relational databases. We’ll be using PostgreSQL, a powerful open-source database I’ve been using for more than two decades.

Questions? Learn more at https://store.lerner.co.il/intro-to-sql (where there’s an extensive FAQ). Or contact me on Twitter (@reuvenmlerner) or via e-mail (reuven@lerner.co.il). I’ll answer as soon as I can.

I hope to see you there!

October 28, 2020 , bY reuven
Python

Over the last year, I’ve gotten increasingly active on my YouTube channel, https://YouTube.com/reuvenlerner. Each week, I upload 1-2 new videos, typically answering questions that I’ve gotten in my corporate training classes or from people online — via e-mail, or on Twitter (@reuvenmlerner).

So if you’re looking to learn about Jupyter shortcuts, or inner classes in Python, or the differences between “modules” and “packages,” then head on over to https://YouTube.com/reuvenlerner, and subscribe! And if there are Python topics you would like me to address, don’t hesitate to contact me. You might see your question answered in a video!

October 26, 2020 , bY reuven
Python

Want to improve your Python skills? Looking for a way to practice on a regular basis, backed up by a community of learners?

Look no more: A new advanced-level cohort of Weekly Python Exercise is starting tomorrow! If you’ve been using Python for at least a year, then this course will open your eyes to new techniques, and help to strengthen existing ones.

Here’s how it works:

  • Every Tuesday, you’re sent a new problem via e-mail, along with “pytest” tests
  • On the following Monday, you get the solution, with a detailed explanation.
  • In between, you can chat in our private forum about your solution (and theirs).
  • Once a month, I do free, live office hours, answering your Python questions.

But wait, there’s more: As of this cohort (B3), every solution will not only be written up in e-mail, but will also be answered in a screencast! I hope that this will help you to understand the solutions better than in pure text.

Questions? Comments? Wondering about discounts? Just contact me at @reuvenmlerner on Twitter, or send me e-mail at reuven@lerner.co.il.

But don’t hesitate; I won’t be offering this cohort again until 2021…

Click here for more info about Weekly Python Exercise

October 18, 2020 , bY reuven
Python

If you’ve been using Python for a year or so, then you’re no longer confused or surprised by the language’s basics — the core data structures, functions, and even basic object-oriented programming. But you probably don’t quite feel fluent with Python, and aren’t sure how to use some of the language’s more advanced features. It would sure be nice to understand these things better, not just by reading a blog, but via actual, hands-on practice.

If that describes you, then you should check out Weekly Python Exercise, the course that helps you to level up your Python skills. A new advanced-level cohort (B3) starts on Tuesday, October 27th, and works as follows:

  • Every Tuesday, you get a new question, along with “pytest” tests
  • On the following Monday, you get a detailed solution
  • You can ask questions and compare notes with other students in our private forum
  • I offer monthly office hours, answering your Python questions

(If you’re a Python beginner, then a new A-level cohort be starting in January. You can learn more at https://WeeklyPythonExercise.com/.)

Want to know more, or see some sample exercises? Go to https://store.lerner.co.il/wpe-b3.

Questions? Ask away! I’m on Twitter as @reuvenmlerner, or you can e-mail me at reuven@lerner.co.il.

October 13, 2020 , bY reuven
Business, Python, Training, Uncategorized

Later this month, I’ll appear on the “Exploiting with Teja Kummarikuntla” podcast. As part of that appearance, I’ll be doing an AMA (“ask me anything”) segment — but in order for that to happen, I need questions!

That’s where you come in: If there’s a question that you would like for me to answer, then please go ahead and submit it at https://exploit.chat/AskLerner. Possible topics include:

  • Python
  • Life as a corporate trainer
  • Writing books
  • Running an e-mail newsletter
  • Running your own business (which I’ve done since 1995)
  • Creating and selling online books and courses

If you have questions on other topics, then go ahead and submit those, too!

I’m really looking forward to appearing on the podcast, and to answering your questions.