[Tutor] Python - Data Mining?

[Nick Scholtes]

Thank you all so much for the great information so far. I really appreciate
it. I'm going over it now. And sample code helps TON! That really allows me
to see what happens with a program.

In reference to wormwood_3's question about my intentions for data mining; I
want to know this stuff in general, but I also have some applications in
mind. For instance, I work with some groups that rescue homeless animals. It
would be wonderful if I could compile a thorough database, then mine the
data and create graphs to troubleshoot issues. As an example, we might find
that more homeless animals show up in "x" location, or at "xyz" time of
year. This could help in re-focuses efforts more efficiently.

I'm going to start going over those links and sample code, but beware! I'll
probably be dropping a bunch more questions soon!

Take care,
Nick




On Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 2:10 PM, Kent Johnson <kent37 at tds.net> wrote:

> On Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 1:25 PM, Nick Scholtes <airchia at gmail.com> wrote:
> > Hi,
> > I'm still very, very new to Python and programming. I was wondering if
> > anyone can point me in the right direction.
>
> Welcome!
>
> > As I gradually learn Python, one of the things I want to be able to do is
> > take a database, run queries and extract information and then graph that
> > information visually to see patterns in the data. Where should I start?
> > Does Python do this? If not, what language is used for this?
>
> Yes, you can do this in Python.
>
> Python has a standard for interfacing to databases called DB-API:
> http://www.python.org/dev/peps/pep-0249/
>
> You will have to obtain and install a DB-API module for the specific
> database you want to query:
> http://wiki.python.org/moin/DatabaseInterfaces
>
> The docs for the individual modules tend to be sparse because they
> follow the DB-API.
>
> For graphing, there are several options:
> http://wiki.python.org/moin/NumericAndScientific/Plotting
>
> I recommend matplotlib.
>
> You should probably start with a basic Python tutorial, though; both
> DB-API and matplotlib will be difficult if you don't have a basic
> understanding of Python. Pick a tutorial here:
> http://wiki.python.org/moin/BeginnersGuide/NonProgrammers
>
> Kent
>



-- 
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