Portfolio Assignment 1

1. Download and install Python.
2. Go through an online tutorial.
   • Python tutorial online or download
   • If you are not a programmer you might find the following easier: Python for linguists
3. Go through the Python code in Programming collective Intelligence
   1. pp. xvi to xviii
   2. pp. 7-18 (you can download the initial recommendations.py here)
   3. Don't panic if you get different results than those in the book. Figure out which answer is correct (and if necessary how to correct the code) and include this in your blog entry.
4. On page 14 Which similarity metric should I use? Segaram mentions the Manhattan distance (aka taxicab distance). Implement a sim_ distance function using this metric.

Try to make good progress before the next class. We will discuss this a bit during class. This has a due date of January 24th.

I am not asking you to turn in any code. You need to write a blog entry outlining your progress. If you worked with a partner, you need to write your own blog entry. In your blog entry you should include the code snippet for your Manhattan distance function. You can include other code snippets.

If you are not a programmer, team up with someone who is.