Introducing the show!

Episode Deep Dive

What to Know If You’re New to Python

If you’re new to Python, here are a few points from this episode that will help you follow the discussion:

• Learn a bit about Python’s use cases for data storage, like SQL databases (with ORMs) and NoSQL systems such as MongoDB.
• Familiarize yourself with how Python frameworks (e.g., Flask) can provide a foundation for REST APIs.
• Understanding key Python libraries like SQLAlchemy (ORM) and PyMongo (MongoDB driver) will help you appreciate the technical conversations on this show.
• Get comfortable with Python’s ecosystem of packages and how they can fit together to create powerful apps.

Key Points and Takeaways

1. Why Launch a New Python Podcast This episode introduces Talk Python To Me and explains why it was created in the first place, because there was a gap in regularly updated, high-quality Python podcasts. Michael wanted to serve developers who crave discussions around Python’s tech, community, and evolving ecosystem. It’s a rallying call for Pythonistas to come together and share their stories.
   • Links and Tools:
     • talkpythontome.com
2. Focus on a Wide Python Ecosystem One highlight is the plan to cover a broad range of Python topics from libraries and frameworks to the personalities behind them. This ensures that listeners, whether they are web developers, data scientists, or hobbyists, get a variety of perspectives.
   • Links and Tools:
     • PyPI for Python packages
3. SQLAlchemy and Relational Databases Mike Bayer’s upcoming guest spot underscores the importance of robust data modeling and SQL connections in Python. SQLAlchemy allows you to work with databases in a more Pythonic manner, abstracting away raw SQL and letting you focus on your models.
   • Links and Tools:
     • SQLAlchemy
4. MongoDB and the NoSQL Side Jesse Davis brings in the NoSQL angle through PyMongo, used extensively in Python applications needing schema flexibility and horizontal scalability. The conversation teases a look into async capabilities and how they might shape data interaction in Python.
   • Links and Tools:
     • MongoDB
     • PyMongo
5. Spotlight on EVE and RESTful APIs Nikola Hiroshi’s framework, EVE, is centered on building RESTful APIs with minimal setup. The takeaway is that Python has multiple ways to create web services, and EVE stands out for quickly getting a JSON-based service running, often backed by MongoDB.
   • Links and Tools:
     • EVE
6. The Podcast Format and Goals Expect a weekly release schedule featuring interviews with Python experts, maintainers, and community contributors. The host promises a variety of technical deep dives, success stories, and practical guidance.
   • Links and Tools:
     • talkpythontome.com
7. Building a Community of Listeners Michael encourages feedback, topic suggestions, and community building via the website. The “Friends of the Show” initiative invites people to sign up for polls, questionnaires, and updates, aiming to make listeners an integral part of the show’s direction.
   • Links and Tools:
     • talkpythontome.com/friend (link mentioned as “friends of the show” in the transcript)
     • talkpythontome.com/contact (feedback and suggestions)
8. Upcoming Topics and Guests Beyond Databases The episode hints at covering a range of subjects, like asyncio, web services, and data-driven projects, showcasing Python’s flexibility in modern software development. This variety is crucial for a broad audience, from novices to seasoned pros.
   • Links and Tools:
     • asyncio documentation
9. Encouraging Listener Engagement The host underscores that the show thrives on user input. Whether you’re brand new to Python or an experienced developer, the plan is to shape future episodes around the community’s evolving needs and interests.
   • Links and Tools:
     • @mkennedy on Twitter
10. Subscription and Staying Tuned The show is early in development, but there’s already momentum with multiple episodes lined up. Subscribing ensures you don’t miss the deep dives into each of these exciting Python topics and the chance to hear from key contributors in the community.

• Links and Tools:
  • talkpythontome.com/subscribe

Interesting Quotes and Stories

"I looked around and I saw that there was really no good Python podcasts anymore. There used to be, but for some reason they all stopped. So I decided it's time to take some action and create a podcast for everybody out there in the Python community." -- Michael Kennedy

"One of the first guests is going to be Mike Bayer, who is the creator and maintainer of SQLAlchemy." -- Michael Kennedy

Key Definitions and Terms

• ORM (Object Relational Mapper): A layer between Python objects and relational databases, simplifying queries and data manipulation.
• NoSQL: A category of database systems (like MongoDB) that store data in flexible, often document-oriented ways.
• EVE: A Python REST framework built with Flask, simplifying the creation of CRUD APIs.
• AsyncIO: A Python library that uses the async and await syntax to write concurrent code more easily than with traditional threading.

Learning Resources

Here are some recommended resources if you want to dive deeper (links include ?utm_source=talkpythondeepdive):

• Python for Absolute Beginners: A thorough yet approachable introduction to programming and Python fundamentals.
• Eve: Building RESTful APIs with MongoDB and Flask: Ideal if you’re inspired by Nikola Hiroshi’s approach to quickly deploying RESTful APIs.
• MongoDB Quickstart with Python: Learn the basics of working with MongoDB in a short but focused course.
• Building Data-Driven Web Apps with Flask and SQLAlchemy: A great match if you want to see SQLAlchemy in action for building robust web applications.

Overall Takeaway

This inaugural episode sets the stage for an engaging podcast series dedicated to Python’s vibrant ecosystem. Michael Kennedy outlines the vision, bringing together open-source creators, community leaders, and Python professionals to discuss real-world challenges, success stories, and best practices. Whether you’re brand new to Python or a seasoned developer, this show aims to inspire you to learn continuously, collaborate with others, and deepen your understanding of all things Python.