Installing packages:
— iPython, which is a more evolved terminal with color and autocompletion
— numpy, for array and numerical calculation
— matplotlib, a library for plotting graphics - http://matplotlib.org/users/pyplot_tutorial.html
— scipy, add a lot of tools for scientific computing (I use the library optimize)
— spyder (Scientific PYthon Development EnviRonment) - https://pythonhosted.org/spyder/
For Linux and Mac users, the installation is simple. You can follow this procedure:
http://scipy-lectures.github.io/advanced/mathematical_optimization/
For windows, these packages are available together in a pack, I think this is the best way to install them. The installation instruction are available here. I would recommend to choose the WinPython distribution, which is portable (you can put it on a usb key). You can download it here (it is quite big).
To test the installation, just try to import the libraries (import numpy, for exemple).
For learning, I’m using this lecture, which is also available as a pdf.
If there is any problem to install, please let me know.
Giovanni's presentation on SciPy and Feraols plots from 20 April 2015 are available on the Drive
For plotting:
http://nbviewer.ipython.org/github/swcarpentry/notebooks/blob/master/matplotlib.ipynb
http://www.ast.uct.ac.za/~sarblyth/pythonGuide/PythonPlottingBeginnersGuide.pdf
http://python4astronomers.github.io/files/asciifiles.html
http://python-astro.blogspot.com/2012/02/read-ascii-file-cont.html
(as Jérôme used it)