S03E03 - Effective Python teaching - with Matt Harrison

Half Stack Data Science

In this episode of Half Stack Data Science we continue our season 3 all about data science education, with a conversation with Matt Harrison.

Matt stands as a prominent figure in the Python and data science community. A Stanford Computer Science alumnus, he's made significant contributions through his best-selling books, which include titles like "Effective Pandas", "Effective XGBoost", "Machine Learning Pocket Reference", and "Illustrated Guide to Learning Python 3." Beyond authorship, Matt has shared his expertise at major corporations such as Netflix and NASA, as well as academic institutions like Stanford, the University of Utah, and BYU. With a Python journey beginning in 2000, he's equipped thousands with vital skills, both online and in-person. He runs MetaSnake, a Python and Data training company.

We talked to Matt about the pushback he gets whenever he posts code online, what we all think of Excel’s newly announced Python integration, how ChatGPT has affected our work, and whether cooking is a good metaphor for programming.