# Before Start

## Author

Hanqing Liu (刘翰青)

## Why python?

![https://xkcd.com/353/](https://2302641753-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M3t9YeccFE_mwHn5rIO%2F-M3t9r4WhcXPNUENmfQA%2F-M3tYGWj0KxVrt1ifIAq%2Fpython.png?alt=media\&token=dbb3800d-f9ac-4a57-b38e-e7f71cd72088)

Python is simple and versatile. It's a [much more popular programming language](https://www.google.com/search?q=programming+language+popularity) than R (the other language that's mainly used by bioinformatician and statistician). Yet [R is still useful in many aspect](https://hq-1.gitbook.io/essential-python-for-genome-science/use-r-in-python/why),  its not hard to [integrate some open-box R packages into python](https://hq-1.gitbook.io/essential-python-for-genome-science/use-r-in-python/rpy2). For other daily works, I choose python over R.

## What do I want to write?

My experience on using python in genome science, with a focus on intermediate level python programming, and some basic introduction to genome science.

## The Intermediate Level

![How to draw an Owl](https://2302641753-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M3t9YeccFE_mwHn5rIO%2F-M3t9r4WhcXPNUENmfQA%2F-M3t_5iqdBWzLEzU539M%2F6a00d83451b31569e2019aff29b7cd970c-450wi.webp?alt=media\&token=8d7d4b88-9287-429b-b1ee-e94432d36c6e)

Above is my favorite joke about learning programming. But I guess its also right for learning anything, especially for self-learning on anything. [Introduction level materials](https://hq-1.gitbook.io/essential-python-for-genome-science/introduction-level-information) are always available, especially for hot words like "python" or "genomics". Advanced level materials are usually domain-specific, and people who study that, know how to get the information. The intermediate level means the massive gap between understanding the "introduction to X" and becoming an expert. And here I want to write about my experience of passing this level. Having that said, I only consider myself at the "late-stage" of intermediate level, not a wholly expert. But I guess the "fresh experience" can sometimes be more useful than pure knowledge, just like [one of my favorite books about the learning experience](http://pgbovine.net/PhD-memoir.htm).

## About me

I like learning new things, especially things that looks beautiful. Learning python is the best choice I made during my time at college. And it become more and more useful in my daily research.

For the current research, I study brain methylome at single-cell level. I didn't learn anything about neuroscience at college, but I'm really fascinated by it now. I will continue my journey on neuroscience after getting my Ph.D., no matter what aspect of it.

For enjoying life, photography! But sadly, not during this coronavirus pandemic. 

Here are some links about me:

* [Github](https://github.com/lhqing)
* [Google Scholar](https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=dh8c-Q4AAAAJ\&hl=en)
* [My Lab](https://ecker.salk.edu/)
* [A more technical book](https://hq-1.gitbook.io/dna-methylation-in-single-cell/) I am writing in parallel.

![5-min walk to my office at the Salk Institute](https://2302641753-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M3t9YeccFE_mwHn5rIO%2F-M3tfjDEqWxDj4mc8zn4%2F-M3tpBnheiAh6RF3rQy6%2FIMG_0366%20\(1\).jpeg?alt=media\&token=2edeca29-7c41-4dc2-855e-582759a2d806)