Python in High-Performance Computing @ CSC

Python is a modern, object-oriented programming language, which has become popular in several areas of software development. This course introduces the basic concepts of the Python programming language and how it can be used effectively in high-performance computing. Fast array interface (numpy), message-passing interface (mpi4py), and several other useful Python packages such as scipy and matplotlib are introduced. C extension, i.e how to integrate code written in C directly as a part of a Python program, are also shown. Examples include prototyping and solving numerical problems with Python, steering simulations with Python scripts and analyzing results with the help of Python. Course consists of lectures and hands-on exercises.

Preliminary program

Day 1

• Introduction to Python
• Data types and expressions
• Control structures
• Functions and modules
• File I/O
• Text processing

Day 2

• Object oriented programming with Python
• NumPy - fast array interface to Python

Day 3

• Matplotlib-package for visualization
• Scipy-package for scientific computing
• C extensions for integrating efficient C routines in Python
• mpi4py - message-passing interface for Python

Learning outcome
After the course the participants should be able to write scripts and small programs with Python and able to utilize some of the key Python packages for scientific computing (numpy, mpi4py, scipy, matplotlib).

Pre-requisites
Participants are expected to have some experience in computer programming and to be familiar with the basic concepts (e.g. variables, statements, control structures, subroutines) but previous knowledge of Python is not required. Previous experience in high-performance computing (batch systems, MPI, etc.) may be useful.

Price: Free of charge
Lecturers: Jussi Enkovaara (CSC), Martti Louhivuori (CSC)