Geeky Tech Stuff

I’ve always been a bit of a geek and wrote my first computer program when I was in primary school in the 1970’s. My professional career has taken me away from hands-on technical work so I now meet my geek needs as a hobbyist and volunteer^[1]

This page is mostly just a handy place to keep links that I regularly share with others.

Beginners resources

• W3schools.com Beginner oriented coding tutorials and exercises. Clearly explains the basics of Python etc but also handy reference for intermediate coders.
• Codewars.com Loads of graded coding challenges in Python and other languages. Useful if a new coder is not sure what to work on. I’ve used the exercises to practice new skills such as getting to grips with classes, libraries and automated testing in Python and C++.
• Python beginners guide Plan and exercises I am developing to follow on from the more scripted challenges we use to get people started in our TechJams.

Intermediate resources

• Python module to simulate LED strips and grids
• Instructions for driving LEDs from Raspberry Pi GPIO pins
• Intermediate coding challenge More advanced exercise using image processing to reveal a secret message and then a set of extension ideas with a sports theme.

Advanced resources

• Getting started with a Wordpress website Guide and exercises for getting started from the safety of your own computer. Uses VirtualBox virtual machines
• Web development playpen A full stack sandbox so you can develop in the safety of your own computer. Uses Docker virtual machines
• Parallel LED library for Raspberry Pi
• Interactive Mandelbrot Explorer

Footnotes