Going through the process of re-learning python in the Galvanize DS_Prep has resulted in generating accounts with additional tools. DS_Prep is based on Learn, which, I believe forces python to version 3.6. The python environment is established through Replit. I can use Replit to code in several different languages and up to python 3.8.8 is available in a cloud served environment. An account can be used to store, test and run code, as well as attach to one's GitHub account.

Additionally, I was very close to passing my first technical interview with Galvanize for meeting the requirements for entry into the data science intensive. As a result of that interview, I will be re-studying the python content on parallel lists & dictionaries, as well as brushing up on basic properties of uniform, binomial, poisson, geometric and the exponential family of distributions. In a post-mortem of the interview I was introduced to CodeWars, as the biggest problem I had with my python was being slow at picking an appropriate algorithmic approach to a problem out of context. On Learn, the problems informed us as to how to solve them: "in a dictionary, do xyz". In the TI, we had to solve the problem for ourself. Hence CodeWars... Practice solving problems with little context!

So I got started Replit and CodeWars.

Replit

Right now, Replit is a disorganized collection of code. However, I do like that I have some highly tested functions there. I will be migrating those functions that are well tested over to my GitHub as example code. I would like to learn how to do the tests without the Replit GUI, so I can test my own code in isolation.

Processing Requirements on Replit

I've figured out that using Replit, I'm limited in processing resources and memory unless I upgrade. As a result, I will be doing my timing tests on my local machine so I can take advantage of my 32 Gb RAM and fast processor for benchmarking.

CodeWars

As part of my debrief from the TI I was introduced to CodeWars, a site that I can practice programming fundamentals and/or compete and generate code for others to practice/compete on as well as suggest additional tests for their code to pass as long as it doesn't violate the instructions.

I made the mistake of suggesting input validation tests on a beginner test and got reprimanded by an admin just 2 hours after I made an account!

I selected python, R and SQL as my languages so far. So far I have only practiced in python. However, after only a day in I have almost already leveled up in python! My plan is to use the site as warm up before my time on Learn. 1-2 challenges in fundamentals for each language each morning.