Build a Unit Converter with Python

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This week we’re sharing a new project, complete with source code and a full video walkthrough. We’re also sharing a few new resources and news articles. If there’s something specific you want us to cover next week, please fill out the survey at the bottom to let us know!

This Week’s Resources

• Understanding the Python range() Function

• Python Project Walkthrough: Unit Converter (YouTube)

• New Tech Job Opportunites for 2025

• 5 Essential Networking Commands in Linux

• Automate Data Cleaning in Google Sheets with Python (MSN)

• Popular Java Tutorials and Courses

• Crypto Tracker Spreadsheet Template (Spreadsheet Point)

• The Free Python Code Editor

New Python Project: Unit Converter

This Python project is completely new. Dr. Johns did the full walkthrough last week, and the video recently went live on our YouTube channel. This step-by-step tutorial will guide you through building a Python-powered tool with a sleek graphical user interface (GUI) using the tkinter library.

Convert units like miles to kilometers, pounds to kilograms, and Fahrenheit to Celsius—fast, accurate, and entirely customizable!

The following is one snippet of the full source code, which you can find in our article on how to build a unit converter project in Python. Note that this is only the initial setup. The full project also shows how to build the GUI and write a function to handle the conversion logic.

conversion_map = {
    "Miles": {"Kilometers": lambda x: x * 1.60934},
    "Kilometers": {"Miles": lambda x: x / 1.60934},
    "Pounds": {"Kilograms": lambda x: x * 0.453592},
    "Kilograms": {"Pounds": lambda x: x / 0.453592},
    "Inches": {"Centimeters": lambda x: x * 2.54},
    "Centimeters": {"Inches": lambda x: x / 2.54},
    "Fahrenheit": {"Celsius": lambda x: (x - 32) * 5/9},
    "Celsius": {"Fahrenheit": lambda x: (x * 9/5) + 32},
}

Watch this walkthrough to make one yourself, or check out the rest of our code at Hackr.

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Understanding the Python range() Function

The Python range() function is a versatile tool for generating sequences of numbers. Whether you're iterating through loops or creating custom lists, understanding how range() works can save you time and effort in your Python coding journey.

The range() function has the following syntax:

range(start, stop, step)

• start (optional): The beginning of the sequence. Defaults to 0 if not specified.

• stop (required): The endpoint of the sequence (exclusive).

• step (optional): The difference between each number in the sequence. Defaults to 1.

The range() function is an essential tool in Python. It offers a simple and efficient way to generate numeric sequences. Mastering range() will add a valuable skill to your Python toolkit, making tasks like iteration and list creation much easier.

Finding this information helpful? Help other coders and share the knowledge.

The Weirdest Moments in Linux History

Linux, an operating system known for its power and versatility, has also earned a reputation for its eccentricity. From epic flame wars to pink glittery interfaces, the history of Linux is full of moments that make even its most ardent fans pause and chuckle. Here are seven of the weirdest moments in Linux history.

Don’t have time for the full breakdown? Skip to about a minute in to see the part about the Tannenbaum-Torvalds flame war.

Essential Networking Commands

In the world of Linux, networking is a cornerstone of system administration. Whether you’re troubleshooting a connection or monitoring your server, mastering a few key commands can make your life a lot easier.

Read the full guide for five essential Linux networking commands that every user — beginner or seasoned — should have in their toolkit. Here’s one that’s worth checking out even if you don’t read the full article.

netstat: The Connection Tracker. netstat is your go-to option for monitoring active connections and open ports. Add the -tuln flag, and it displays both TCP and UDP connections along with numerical port numbers.

It’s essential for a simple reason. If something’s hogging your bandwidth or a port is unexpectedly open, netstat can uncover the culprit. It’s perfect for finding rogue processes or confirming service availability.

Using a Spreadsheet to Track Crypto Prices

When it comes to financial tracking, security and privacy are top concerns for many investors. Using third-party apps or exchanges to track your cryptocurrency can put sensitive information at risk, especially if those platforms are hacked or suffer from data breaches. By tracking your crypto portfolio in a spreadsheet, you maintain full control over your data.

Google Sheets offers a secure environment, protected by Google’s industry-standard encryption and multi-factor authentication. Since the spreadsheet is stored in your Google Drive, you can decide who has access to your data, ensuring that only trusted parties can view or edit your portfolio. Additionally, because the data is not hosted on a third-party crypto platform, you reduce the risk of unauthorized access or exposure.