This week we welcome Stacy Morse (@geekgirlbeta) as our PyDev of the Week! Stacy loves Python and has been writing about it on her blog as well as giving talks at various user groups and conferences. You can catch her at PyCon 2018 in Ohio this year where she will be talking about code reviews. Let’s take a few moments to get to know her better!
Can you tell us a little about yourself (hobbies, education, etc):
I have a degree in Art, concentration in Photography and design. I like to spend as much time as I can hiking and taking macro photographs of moss and the natural life cycle of the forest.
I also like to build. Anything from projects using micro-controllers to elaborate sewing projects.
Why did you start using Python?
I started using Python as a way to light my photography out in the woods. I need a lot of control to illuminate tiny scenes. Micro Python allowed me to make small custom LED arrays and have a lot of control over them.
What other programming languages do you know and which is your favorite?
JavaScript, Python, and I’m dabbling in Clojure. I have to say, Python is by far my favorite. The language and community has everything to do with it. I’ve made some amazing friends all over the world because of Python.
What projects are you working on now?
One of the more interesting and fun projects I’m working on is a Bluetooth controller for presentations. I’m hoping to have it finished by the time I give my talk about code reviews at PyCon 2018. When it’s finished I’ll install the programmed micro-controllers into a Lightsaber hilt. I’ll have the ability to control the forward, backward clicks as well as turn on and off sound effects that will be triggered by a gyroscope. Time permitting I’ll throw in a laser pointer.
There are other projects, but this is the one I’m most excited to talk about.
Which Python libraries are your favorite (core or 3rd party)?
I really enjoyed using TensorFlow and matplotlib. I would like to get to use them in more projects.
I’d have to also mention the Hashids open source library. I went as far as refactoring some of my first Python code just to use it and write a blog post about it. It’s one of those topics I’d like to see covered more, especially for the newcomers to Python.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
I’d like to thank the entire Python community, they are a very inspiring group. I’ve always felt very welcome and encouraged within it.
Thanks for doing the interview!