Let the coding bug bite you - the coverage from PyLadies.start() workshop

PyLadies.start() are the workshops dedicated to people who want to learn how to code with Python. Last weekend Poznań International Fair turned into the big base where participants supported by mentors were developing their programming skills.

I should like to express great appreciation for the organizers - tireless folks of PyLadies Poznań which is the part of PyLadies. PyLadies is an international mentorship group with a focus on helping more women become active participants and leaders in the Python open-source community. The main goal of the group is to promote and educate through conferences, workshops, and social gatherings.

The name of the organization speaks for itself - PyLadies put women first. But it doesn’t mean that men are excluded. Also during PyLadies.start() workshop a lot of men were present in the room.

You got to start somewhere. I’m sure that the 2-days meeting full of workshops and coding will bring a sound knowledge and bear fruit so that many of participants will continue learning Python programming.

The participants weren’t left alone - 27 mentors from different software development companies were there to help them out. Merixstudio also sent some of our people out there, and we were adding our slice of the programming pie. Five folks from our Django team were solving problems together with Python beginners. So that Paweł, Wojtek, Pablo, Piotr and of course Miłosz (a charismatic Team Leader of the Django crew) were walking around ready to help if needed.

At first, Piotr Dyba (one of the organizers and the one who led the workshops) explained the basis: what is Python and what it isn’t, how you could use the language as well as in a funny way described who is a developer and how to become one. Then the joke was over, and Piotrek introduced a bit harder terms.

The participants were able to get to know what is an algorithm, how to use Python interpreter and PyCharm, what is a function or variable as well as how to use Python as a calculator. These are just the examples of terms that beginners could learn from the training. Each dose of knowledge was supported by interesting exercises so that students could put it into practice immediately.

After the first day organizers prepared an after party where we, of course, showed up as well. It was an excellent opportunity for both mentors and participants to share experience and knowledge in a more favorable environment (over a delicious beer I mean :)).

Now peeps who took part in the workshops will be able to join weekly meetings called PyTrening 4.0 where will be working on developing their newly gained skills together with mentors. Classes will be held in the 2017/2018 academic year.

I also took part in PyLadies.start() and was spectating and supporting organizers. I have to say that the event was well-organized and full of knowledge. Room was full of glad folks who were talking about the exercises with excitement.

Good job, PyLadies Poznań! We’re waiting for the next edition. You can be sure that Merixstudio team will be there to help another group of people hungry for everything we can tell them about Python programming.

And a few more photos at the end... :)