Sean and Kelly discuss how portfolios can give young coders a competitive edge when it comes to college admissions and job applications. They emphasize the significance of going beyond traditional academic achievements, such as grades and test scores, and highlight the value of tangible evidence of their coding prowess. By curating a collection of their projects, students not only provide a window into their technical abilities but also provide important context about their inspirations, intentions, and the thought process behind each project.

Moreover, the hosts discuss the benefits of contributing to open-source projects and sharing code on platforms like GitHub. They acknowledge the initial discomfort, but encourage young coders to take the leap and submit contributions, highlighting how these experiences can enhance their portfolios and provide valuable talking points in interviews. Additionally, they discuss the emerging trend of universities and employers conducting online background checks, making a well-crafted online presence, including portfolios and LinkedIn profiles, essential for young coders.

In this insightful episode, Sean and Kelly provide practical advice, personal anecdotes, and valuable insights, helping young coders understand the significance of projects and portfolios in their educational and professional journeys. Tune in to gain valuable tips on standing out, showcasing your skills, and navigating the world of coding portfolios and projects!

Support Teaching Python

Coming up with project ideas that are creative, engaging, and allow students the flexibility to explore is one of the most important activities that Sean and Kelly do daily. We love introducing many different aspects of Python and push the boundaries with our students. We often discuss and brainstorm ideas on how we can incorporate libraries that are new to us in the curriculum. Although we have used Pillow very briefly, with the help of expert Mike Driscoll, Sean and I will explore project ideas for using Pillow from 6th grade to developer.

Special Guest: Mike Driscoll.

Support Teaching Python

Links:

• Enter to win an eBook copy of Pillow Image Processing with Python — 3 winners will be selected on May 15 to receive an eBook copy of Mike's book, Pillow Image Processing with Python. Fill out this Google Form to enter.
• Kindle Version of Pillow: Image Processing with Python, Driscoll, Michael, eBook - Amazon.com — Pillow: Image Processing with Python is the only book that covers the Pillow package, the friendly fork of the Python Imaging Library (PIL). The first few chapters of the book will get you started down the path of knowledge and help you understand how to use Pillow effectively.
• Paperback Version of Pillow: Image Processing with Python: Driscoll, Michael: 9798585391583: Amazon.com: Books — Pillow: Image Processing with Python is the only book that covers the Pillow package, the friendly fork of the Python Imaging Library (PIL). The first few chapters of the book will get you started down the path of knowledge and help you understand how to use Pillow effectively. This book is printed in FULL COLOR.
• Leanpub Version - Pillow: Image Processing… by Michael Driscoll [PDF/iPad/Kindle] — The eBook on Leanpub or Gumroad supports Mike the most. Have you ever wondered how to use Python to process your images? Wonder no longer! The Pillow package is Python's Imaging Library. In this book, you will learn how to crop photos, apply filters and transforms, work with colors and much more!
• Gumroad Version - Pillow: Image Processing with Python — The eBook on Leanpub or Gumroad supports Mike the most. Have you ever wondered how to use Python to process your images? Wonder no longer! The Pillow package is Python's Imaging Library. In this book, you will learn how to crop photos, apply filters and transforms, work with colors and much more!

Special Guest: Eric Matthes.

Support Teaching Python

Links:

• Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming: Matthes, Eric: 9781593279288: Amazon.com: Books — Python Crash Course is the world's best-selling guide to the Python programming language. This fast-paced, thorough introduction to programming with Python will have you writing programs, solving problems, and making things that work in no time.
• Teaching Python Episode 33: Interview with Eric Matthes — Kelly and Sean interview Eric Matthes, author of Python Crash Course, about how he began programming, what led him to teaching, and the important lessons from Python to be learned both inside and outside of the classroom.
• Adafruit Matrix Portal Starter Kit - ADABOX 016 Essentials ID: 4812 - $69.95 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits — If you missed out on AdaBox016, it's not too late for you to pick up the parts necessary to build many of the projects! It doesn't come with tissue paper or the nifty extras, but it does have all the electronic goodies you need.
• Introduction to command line · HonKit — It's exciting, right?! You'll write your first line of code in just a few minutes! :) Let us introduce you to your first new friend: the command line! The following steps will show you how to use the black window all hackers use. It might look a bit scary at first but really it's just a prompt waiting for commands from you.
• Write once. Deploy everywhere.— BeeWare — BeeWare allows you to write your app in Python and release it on multiple platforms. No need to rewrite the app in multiple programming languages. It means no issues with build tools, environments, compatibility, etc.
• PREORDER: Beyond the Basic Stuff with Python: Best Practices for Writing Clean Code: Sweigart, Al: 9781593279660: Amazon.com: Books — Welcome to Beyond the Basic Stuff with Python. More than a mere collection of advanced syntax and masterful tips for writing clean code, you'll learn how to advance your Python programming skills by using the command line and other professional tools like code formatters, type checkers, linters, and version control. Sweigart takes you through best practices for setting up your development environment, naming variables, and improving readability, then tackles documentation, organization and performance measurement, as well as object-oriented design and the Big-O algorithm analysis commonly used in coding interviews. The skills you learn will boost your ability to program--not just in Python but in any language.