stats-Python

Python                      (free alternative to JAVA... see url below) (a horizontal dial program)

The Python system consists of a basic system, an optional IDE (integrated development environment), and finally extra sub packages that are required for graphics. Python works under
Windows XP SP2, under SP1 text output works but graphics may crash.

http://www.python.org                                                       The basic Python system
http://www.mmm-experts.com/                                       An optional IDE
http://matplotlib.sourceforge.net/tutorial.html              The most common graphics package "MatPlotLib"
http://www.scipy.org/                                                         A sub package "numpy" used by MatPlotLib

Install Python first, then MatPlotLib, then Numpy. And, it installs first time, and works. Just let it do its thing about where it will install Python, and the extras. Then install the IDE, if you
wish.

Dial programs in Python~ ~ ~ Download this file which has the programs (which can go anywhere), and some notes you should read if you want to get things up and running. This has
a tabular h-dial program, and graphical programs for th eh-dial, v-dial, and v-dec dials.

Python is an alternative to JAVA, it supports not only text applications (one is included in the file above), graphical methods (also in the file), but also supports web page programming
and the like. The text program only needs the basic Python system. The graphical program needs the basic Python system, as well as MatPlotLib which in turn needs Numpy. As long
as you let Python install into its desired directory, the MatPlotLib and Numpy all install easily. You do not need the IDE unless you want to develop your own programs. A note about
IDEs, if you run graphics programs from within the IDE, the IDE may hang. The solution is to do MY COMPUTER, then locate the folder, then the file, and doube click on it.

In fact, running the two programs in the file above, is done just that way: do MY COMPUTER, then locate the folder, then the file, and doube click on it.

Python is easy to learn, and more tolerant than JAVA. And some of the sub packages have tremendous power. Python is not new, it is well established, and supported by being
pre-installed on their computers.
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PBE model of programming ~ ~ ~ (programming by example).

This section continues the "PBE" philosophy, namely "Programming By Example". Having started programming in 1966, and having written code for BAL, PL/I, RPG, COBOL, ALGOL,
APL, FORTRAN, C, BASIC, C++, LISP, and for operating systems from mainframe DOS, MFT, MVT, VS1, MVS, GCP (under VM), UNIX, and various PC operating systems, I have become
jaded enough to wade right in and see what works, rather than read several hundred pages of text that mix the language with the object oriented concepts with the development system.

The major problems with current computer languages are:-

1.     Manuals and HELP systems are designed for those who already know the system
2.     They seldom if ever provide simple programs stipped to bare bones that take input, do something, display graphical output
3.      They often have complex build processes, or, very large libraries. ProgeCAD does not, which is in its favor.

So, these web pages are intended to show practical solutions using systems other than the common ones, and to provide a basis for you to develop further. These examples, give you
that leg up.

Illustrating Time's Shadow
ISBN 0-9765286-8-1 plus 0-9765286-9-X
Lib Cong 2005900674 plus 2006930654
Merges Illustrating Shadows and Illustrating More Shadows, deletes duplicated material, and techniques that are complex and
replaced by easier methods, adds new material.
Hands on, empirical, geometric, trigonometric, CAD, and spreadsheet dial design for small dials plus garden dials using common masonry supplies, clay, and glass, with emphasis
on many calendar line techniques, and inclined decliners, while providing details on the use of DeltaCAD programming including the animation of many sheets as parameters vary.
Case studies abound with associated problems solved, and cover the infamous inclined decliner, as well as all the other kinds of outdoor dials. The printed book comes with a CD of
booklets, spreadsheets, VRML/WRL files, templates, etc with the printed book. The CD has all books and booklets and programs along with source code. Y ou can get the printed book
and CD, just the CD, or an online download here.

NOTE: Under Windows Vista 64 bit, while
Python itself runs, the Python IDE fails, and I
tried several releases.