Learning obplib with Jupyter Notebooks

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Problem ‐ Teaching obplib

Teaching code as a skill poses a challenge, particularly when relying solely on traditional methods like code documentation. This slows down the development process, making it harder for learners to quickly start implementing and experimenting with the code. It might be hard for a user to write test code when there are few examples available. For Freemelt, which relies upon an open source approach to developing build files, this issue is important. Freemelt has developed the obplib Python library for .obp build file creation, and it’s crucial that users get a good understanding on how to use this in order to take full advantage of the open source approach, accelerate development, and improve control over the build process.

Solution ‐ Interactive Programming with Jupyter Notebooks

Interactive programming, a dynamic learning approach that encourages hands‐on experimentation and real‐time feedback, provides a superior method for mastering code quickly. Jupyter Notebooks provide an interactive programming environment where learners can create and execute code in modular ”cells”, each capable of incorporating code, visualizations, and explanatory text. This hands‐on approach enables immediate feedback, iterative implementation, and data visualization, significantly enhancing code learning. Its user‐friendly interface and versatility have made Jupyter Notebooks a widespread tool for people seeking to learn code efficiently. Keeping up with the state‐of‐the‐art, Freemelt has developed a repository of interactive Jupyter Notebook tutorials for the obplib library, ranging from the most basic functionalities to the more complex. Additionally, examples on how to create common and useful builds are provided. The build files are visualized using a custom viewer, granting instant feedback on code changes. Users can experiment on their own, tweaking the code as they like. This is a powerful learning technique, as it encourages learning by doing.

Online hosting using MyBinder

Developing code often requires a multitude of software installations and management. This is a source of frustration for beginners as well as more experienced users, as it’s not always clear what is needed and why. To avoid the hassle, it has become more common to host code online, in an environment that is set up with precisely the needed requirements. Freemelt has done the same by hosting all notebooks on the open source project MyBinder.

This speeds up learning, as the user only has to click a link to start developing. The Binder environments are “stateless”, meaning that users can change anything they want without disturbing other users. The notebooks can be exported to a number of formats, facilitating code sharing between users. Additionally, all Notebooks result in .obp files that the user can simply download and use directly. Thus, the Notebooks are not just tutorials, but can serve as templates for generating build files directly. This is especially useful for new users, who wish to start building as soon as possible. Of course, the user can simply download the Notebooks and develop on their own computer if desired. Many code editors, such as Visual Studio Code, have built‐in support for Jupyter Notebooks and offer a smooth start for developers.

Conclusion

Jupyter Notebooks offer a dynamic and interactive approach to mastering code quickly. Freemelt’s repository of interactive tutorials for the obplib library, hosted on MyBinder, provides a hassle‐free and efficient learning experience. Users can experiment freely, receive instant feedback, and generate .obp files directly, accelerating development and enhancing understanding of build file creation. To explore these Notebooks, click here.

Learn more about Freemelt’s open source and Freemelt ONE.
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2023-11-01 14:25:05

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