Young Programmers Podcast

Episodes

1. 25

   Introduction to Python Functions

   A look at how to, and why you should, use functions in your Python programs.

   Jul 19, 2013
2. 24

   A Simple Python Quiz Program, Part 3

   We enhance the quiz program by reading the questions and answers from a file. Source code

   Jun 27, 2013
3. 23

   Tynker—Physics and Cloning

   Let’s look at two very nice features of Tynker. The physics feature allows you to have falling objects and accurate projectile motion, combined with adjustments for gravity, friction, density, gravity, and much more. Cloning lets you have multiple instances of actors (like Scratch sprites)…

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   Jun 13, 2013
4. 22

   Simple Python Calculator using a Dictionary and Functions for Operators

   This lesson creates a simple calculator using a dictionary to look up functions for operators. The point is to practice more with dictionaries, and to learn about higher-order functions. Source code

   Jun 3, 2013
5. 21

   Kojo Wandering Turtles

   Showing how to create multiple turtles in Kojo, and make them wander around. Uses Scala features map and foreach.

   Feb 18, 2012
6. 20

   Using Python's Input Function with Numbers

   We show how to use Python's input function to get numbers, without the program breaking if something other than a number is entered.

   Jan 14, 2012
7. 19

   A Simple Python Quiz Program, Part 2

   We respond to a viewer question and add features to limit the number of questions displayed, and to display the questions that were answered wrong.

   Nov 12, 2011
8. 18

   Demonstration of Audacity for Making Sound Effects

   How to make special sound effects using the free audio program Audacity. A small correction: I said that a 13-semitone change would move the pitch an octave, but it is actually 12. There are 12 different notes, and to move an octave you move 12 times to get back to the same note of the scale.

   Jul 14, 2011
9. 17

   Carter Sande Teaches Python Functions

   Carter Sande teaches how to use functions to a class at Diablo Valley College College for Kids. A couple of notes on this excellent presentation: At one point Carter says “brackets” when he means parentheses. And for style, I prefer spaces around operators, and whitespace around functions.

   Jul 5, 2011
10. 16

    Python Simple Text Adventure 3

    We add a feature limiting the number of times an event can occur.

    Jul 5, 2011
11. 15

    Kojo (Scala) Random Polygon Drawing

    A demonstration of Kojo's repeat, forward, right, def, setPosition, and setAnimationDelay commands used to draw random polygons.

    May 28, 2011
12. 14

    Python Simple Text Adventure 2

    Part Two. Using a package and classes, we move most of the game logic into a game "engine." Source code: https://github.com/dcbriccetti/python-lessons.

    Feb 20, 2011
13. 13

    Python Simple Text Adventure

    Using tuples and a dictionary, places and transitions, create a simple text adventure game. Source code.

    Feb 19, 2011
14. 12

    A Simple Python Quiz Program

    Learn about lists, tuples, and shuffling lists, while writing a simple question and answer program. Source code. Video.

    Jan 9, 2011
15. 11

    Interviews With Professional Programmers, Part Six

    Hilary Mason of bit.ly talks about her work and how she got started with computers.

    Oct 22, 2010
16. 10

    Wesley Chun on Python

    Googler, Python book author, and former College for Kids teacher Wesley Chun visits Dave Briccetti’s Python class by videoconferencing. He talks about learning Python and how it is used by Google.

    Oct 10, 2010
17. 9

    Randomness in Python Lesson by Carter Sande

    Carter Sande, young coauthor of the Python book Hello World! - Computer Programming for Kids and Other Beginners, visits Dave Briccetti’s Python programming class for grades 7–9 at Pleasant Hill, CA’s Diablo Valley College College for Kids program, and delivers a guest lecture on random numbers.…

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    Jun 24, 2010
18. 8

    JavaFX Ship Landing Game from Peter Pilgrim

    While out to lunch one day at the Java Posse Roundup, Peter Pilgrim showed me his ship landing game written in JavaFX. (Sorry about the blurry parts.)

    Jun 6, 2010
19. 7

    Interviews With Game Developers

    Interviews about game development with Bay Area Video Game Development Meetup members at the January 19, 2010 meetup. Casey Holtz, group leader Turi Scandurra, www.salvatorescandurra.com Greg Damiano, Playdom Simon Amarasingham, dSonic Japheth Dillman, iJanda.net

    Feb 7, 2010
20. 6

    Interviews With Professional Programmers, Part Five

    Michael (Van) Van Riper, at a Silicon Valley Web Java User Group (see Joshua Bloch in the background) talks about programming.

    Feb 7, 2010
21. 5

    Invisible Player Escapes Maze, Pygame Version 1

    Walkthrough of version 1 of the Invisible Player Escapes Maze game in Pygame. Source code

    Dec 27, 2009
22. 4

    Invisible Player Escapes Maze

    Escape the maze. You are invisible, and so are all the obstacles unless they are close to you. Illustrates use of the ghost effect, and broadcast. http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/davebric/818925

    Dec 25, 2009
23. 3

    Growing Player Escapes Maze

    Escape the maze before you grow too big. Illustrates use of the timer, and “if touching color.” The Scratch project is here: http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/davebric/818258

    Dec 24, 2009
24. 2

    Jython/Swing Game of Life Version 2

    A very quick look at version 2 of our Jython implementation of Conway’s Game of Life. Source code

    Dec 24, 2009