Introduction to Computation and Programming with

Python
Python 101 for Economists

José Moreno
[email protected]

Data Lead
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1. Introduction to Computation and Python

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1. Introduction to
Computation and
Python
What is programming?

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Programing definition

● Cambridge Dictionary:
○ The activity or job of writing computer programs.
○ The process or skill of writing programs for computers.
○ The instructions that tell a computer what to do.
● LLMs:
○ Creating instructions for a computer to perform tasks.
○ Programming is the process of writing instructions in a specific language to enable a computer to
perform tasks and solve problems.
○ Programming is the process of creating instructions for computers to follow.

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Programming process

(1) (2) (3)

󰡴 󰲪 󰞐
Problem identification Solution Design Implementation
(architecture or algorithm) (writing code)

(4) (5)
🕹 📲
Testing and debugging Deployment

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󰡴 Problem identification
● Repetitive tasks: If a task is performed frequently and follows a consistent
pattern, it's often a good candidate for automation through programming
● Data processing: Problems involving large amounts of data that need to be
sorted, analyzed, or transformed are well-suited for programming solutions
● Complex calculations: When a problem requires numerous or intricate
mathematical operations, programming can provide accurate and quick results
● Decision-making based on conditions: If a process involves many if-then
scenarios, programming can efficiently handle these logical structures
● Information management: Storing, retrieving, and organizing large amounts of
information can be effectively managed through databases and programming

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󰡴 Problem identification
● Information management: Storing, retrieving, and organizing large amounts of
information can be effectively managed through databases and programming
● User interaction: If there's a need for users to interact with data or systems in a
specific way, programming can create user interfaces and manage these interactions
● Real-time monitoring and responses: Problems requiring constant monitoring and
quick responses to changing conditions are often solved through programming
● Simulation and modeling: Complex systems or scenarios that need to be simulated
can be addressed through programming
● Integration of different systems: When there's a need to connect or communicate
between different software or hardware systems, programming is often the solution
● Customization of existing software: If off-the-shelf software doesn't quite meet
specific needs, programming can be used to create custom solutions or extensions
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󰲪Solution design (architecture or algorithm)
● Break down the problem:
○ Divide the main problem into smaller, manageable sub-problems
○ Identify core functionalities needed
● Research existing solutions:
○ Look for established algorithms or design patterns that might apply
○ Consider best practices in the relevant domain
● Outline the algorithm or system architecture:
○ Sketch a high-level flow of the solution
○ Define main components and their interactions
○ Select data structures that efficiently represent and manipulate the required information
● Consider efficiency and scalability:
○ Analyze time and space complexity
○ Plan for potential future expansions or modifications
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󰲪Solution design (architecture or algorithm)
● Plan for error handling and edge cases:
○ Identify potential failure points
○ Design robust error handling mechanisms
● Document the design:
○ Create flowcharts, pseudocode, or UML diagrams
○ Write clear explanations of key components and their functions
● Review and refine:
○ Critically evaluate the design
○ Seek feedback from peers or stakeholders
● Consider testing strategies:
○ Plan how to verify the correctness of the solution
○ Design test cases covering various scenarios

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󰞐Implementation (writing code)
● Development environment: Appropriate Integrated Development
Environment (IDE) or text editor and necessary compilers or interpreters for
your chosen language
● Programming language: Select a language suitable for your project (e.g.,
Python, R, Java, C++, JavaScript, Matlab, …)
● Version control system: Tools like Git for tracking changes and collaborating
● Libraries and frameworks: Relevant pre-built tools to aid development
● Coding standards: Established conventions for naming, formatting, and
structuring code
● Documentation practices: Methods for inline comments and external
documentation
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󰞐Implementation (writing code)
● Testing tools: Unit testing frameworks, Integration and system testing tools
● Debugging tools: Debuggers integrated with your IDE or standalone tools
● Performance profiling tools: For identifying bottlenecks and optimizing code
● Knowledge of algorithms and data structures: Understanding of how to
implement efficient solutions
● API documentation: If interfacing with external services or libraries
● Error handling strategies: Techniques for graceful error management and
logging
● Security considerations: Understanding of common vulnerabilities and how to
mitigate them

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🕹Testing and debugging

Why in programing?

● Quality assurance: Ensures software functions correctly and reliably

● Cost-effectiveness: Catching bugs early reduces the cost of fixes
● Maintainability: Well-tested code is easier to maintain and modify
● Performance optimization: Identifying and fixing inefficiencies
● Security: Detecting and addressing potential vulnerabilities
● User satisfaction: Delivering a stable, bug-free product to users
● Continuous improvement: Learning from bugs to write better code
● Documentation: Tests serve as executable documentation of expected
behavior

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🕹Testing
● Purpose:
○ Verify that code works as intended
○ Identify bugs and errors
○ Ensure software meets requirements
● Types of testing:
○ Unit testing: Testing individual components or functions
○ Integration testing: Testing how components work together
○ System testing: Testing the entire application
○ Acceptance testing: Verifying the software meets user requirements
● Test-Driven Development (TDD):
○ Writing tests before writing code
○ Helps clarify requirements and design
● Automation:
○ Using scripts to run tests automatically
○ Enables frequent testing and continuous integration
● Coverage:
○ Measuring how much of the code is exercised by tests
○ Identifying untested parts of the code

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🕹Debugging
● Purpose:
○ Identify the cause of errors or unexpected behavior
○ Fix issues in the code
● Techniques:
○ Using debuggers to step through code execution
○ Adding print statements to track program flow
○ Analyzing log files
● Types of bugs:
○ Syntax errors: Incorrect language usage
○ Logic errors: Flawed algorithms or decision-making
○ Runtime errors: Issues that occur during program execution
● Debugging tools:
○ Integrated debuggers in IDEs
○ Memory profilers
○ Stack trace analyzer
● Strategies:
○ Reproducing the error consistently
○ Isolating the problem area
○ Using binary search to narrow down the issue

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📲Deployment
● Purpose: Process of making software available for use.
● Key Components
○ Code packaging and dependency management
○ Environment configuration
○ Database migrations
○ Infrastructure setup
● Deployment Strategies
○ Manual deployment
○ Automated deployment (CI/CD)
○ Blue-green deployment
○ Canary releases
● Essential Tools
○ Version control (e.g., Git)
○ Containerization (e.g., Docker)
○ Orchestration (e.g., Kubernetes)
○ Cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure)
● Why It Matters
○ Bridges development and production
○ Ensures real-world functionality
○ Enables rapid updates
○ Maintains application reliability

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Apply the programming process to solve a problem you
want to solve... right now!

1. Form groups of two, or three if there is an odd

number of students (3 min).
2. Identify one problem you want to solve (with
programming) (5 min).
3. Describe your theoretical and practical
approach to solving the problem bringing into
play the programming process (20 min).
4. Send email: [email protected]
with your group info (names and emails) and
the description (2 min).

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