VGLUG is dedicated to empowering rural college students through technology education.
As part of this initiative, we conduct weekly training sessions on Python With GenAI and DevSecOps..
Due to the large number of participants, the training is organized into six teams:
- Python & GenAI – Linus Torvalds(Team 1) & Grace Hopper(Team 2): Assigned to Engineering students
- Python & GenAI – Richard Stallman(Team 1) & Aron Swatz (Team 2): Assigned to Arts and Science students
- DevSecOps – Ada Lovelace (Arts) & Bob Thomas (Engg): Comprising both Engineering and Arts students
These sessions focus on practical knowledge of Python, GenAI, DevSecOps, free and open-source tools, and also include social awareness and community engagement activities.
Python With GenAI Training – 13’th Week Recap
Date: 24’th August 2025 (Sunday)
Time: 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Venue:
VGLUG Foundation
SRIMAA PRESCHOOL
Landmark: Opposite to BSNL Exchange
Villupuram 605602
Minutes of the Meeting
Python With GenAI – Richard Stallman and Aron Swatz(Arts) :
Session 1: Functions in Python – Sathish & Dilip
What is a Function in Python?:
A function in Python is a block of reusable code that performs a specific task. Instead of writing the same code multiple times, we can put it inside a function and call it whenever needed.
Why Use Functions?
- Avoid Code Repetition – Write once, use many times.
- Organized Code – Break large programs into smaller, manageable parts.
- Improves Readability – Easier for others (and you) to understand.
- Debugging is Easier – Fixing issues becomes simple.
def function_name(parameters):
# code block
return value
Types of Functions in Python
Built-in Functions
- Predefined by Python (e.g.,
print(),len(),type()).
User-defined Functions
- Created by programmers using the
defkeyword.
Anonymous (Lambda) Functions
- Small, one-line functions created using the
lambdakeyword.
Recursive Functions
- Functions that call themselves to solve a problem.
Functions with Arguments
- Positional Arguments
- Keyword Arguments
- Default Arguments
- Variable-length Arguments (
*args,**kwargs)
Session 2: Book Reading Part 2 – Kowsalya & Dilip
We introduced this new topic and students showed great interest. They opened up, shared their own reading experiences, and connected the benefits to their daily life, making the discussion lively and inspiring.
- Boosts knowledge & awareness
- Improves focus & concentration
- Enhances vocabulary & communication
- Reduces stress & relaxes the mind
- Sparks imagination & creativity
- Builds critical thinking skills
- Encourages life-long learning
Python With GenAI – Linux Torvalds Team & Grace Hopper Team
Session 1: Strings and Their Functions – Vijayalakshmi
Strings are one of the most fundamental data types in Python. A string is simply a sequence of characters, used to store text. You can define a string using either single or double quotes:
Example :
s1 = ‘Hello, World!’
s2 = “Python is awesome.”
More Handy Methods:
- partition(): Splits string into a tuple of three parts at first separator.
- rpartition(): Splits string at last separator.
- rsplit(): Splits string from right using specified separator.
- center(): Centers string with padding.
- swapcase(): Swaps uppercase to lowercase and vice versa
Session 1: Problem solving – Kanimozhi
Problem solving in programming means breaking down a problem into smaller, manageable parts and designing a logical, step-by-step solution. We analyze the requirements, plan an approach, implement it using code, and test it with different scenarios. The goal is to find an efficient and correct solution that meets all constraints.
Session 2: GIMP – Vasanth
What is GIMP?
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open-source image editor often compared to Adobe Photoshop. It is widely used for:
Why Use GIMP?
- Free & Open Source – No subscription fees.
- Cross-Platform – Runs on all major OS.
- Supports Plugins – Extend functionality.
- Advanced Features – Layers, masks, filters like Photoshop.
Key Features of GIMP:
Layers and Masks
- Non-destructive editing with layers.
- Add transparency using masks.
Selection Tools
- Rectangle, ellipse, free select, fuzzy select.
- Advanced selection using color range.
Color Adjustment
- Brightness/Contrast
- Hue-Saturation
- Levels & Curves (like Photoshop)
Filters and Effects
- Blur, Sharpen, Artistic, Distorts.
- Noise reduction, oil painting effect.
Text Tool
- Add and customize text with fonts and effects.
Export in Multiple Formats
- PNG, JPEG, TIFF, PSD (Photoshop).
DevSecOps: Ada Lovelace Team & Bob Thomas Team
Session 1: Networking Fundamentals – Mathusoothanan
What is Networking?
Networking is the process of connecting two or more devices (computers, servers, IoT devices) to share data, resources, and services. It forms the backbone of communication in modern computing.
Why is Networking Important?
- Enables communication between devices.
- Facilitates resource sharing (printers, files, internet).
- Powers web services, cloud computing, and IoT.
IP Address
A unique identifier for a device on a network.
Example: 192.168.1.1
MAC Address
A physical address assigned to the network card.
Port
Logical endpoint for communication (e.g., HTTP uses port 80).
Protocol
A set of rules for communication. Common ones:
- HTTP/HTTPS – Web communication
- FTP – File transfer
- SMTP – Email transfer
- TCP/IP – Core internet protocol suite
Types of Networks
- LAN (Local Area Network) – Small area like office or home.
- WAN (Wide Area Network) – Covers large geographic areas.
- MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) – Within a city.
- PAN (Personal Area Network) – Around one person (Bluetooth).
OSI Model (7 Layers)
- Physical Layer – Hardware, cables.
- Data Link Layer – MAC addresses, switches.
- Network Layer – IP addressing, routing.
- Transport Layer – TCP/UDP, reliability.
- Session Layer – Session management.
- Presentation Layer – Data translation, encryption.
- Application Layer – End-user services (HTTP, FTP).
Session 2: Shell Scripting Part 2 – Vignesh
In Part 1, you learned the basics of shell scripting like creating scripts, variables, loops, and conditionals. Now, let’s dive into advanced features that make shell scripts powerful for automation.
!/bin/bash
1) Command-Line Arguments
echo “Script Name: $0”
echo “First Argument: $1”
echo “Second Argument: $2”
echo “All Arguments: $@”
echo “Arguments Count: $#”
echo “———————————–“
2) Functions
greet() { echo “Hello, $1!”; }
sum() { echo “Sum: $(($1 + $2))”; }
greet “Kowsi”
sum 10 20
echo “———————————–“
3) Exit Status & Error Handling
mkdir /root/test 2>/dev/null || {
echo “Failed to create directory” >&2
exit 1
}
echo “Success creating directory”
echo “———————————–“
4) Input with read
read -rp “Enter your name: ” name
read -rsp “Enter secret (hidden): ” secret; echo
echo “Hello, $name!”
echo “———————————–“
5) case Statement
read -rp “Enter a number: ” n
case “$n” in
1) echo “One” ;;
2) echo “Two” ;;
[3-9]) echo “Between 3 and 9” ;;
*) echo “Other number” ;;
esac
echo “———————————–“
6) File Operations
file=”test.txt”
if [ -f “$file” ]; then
echo “$file exists”
else
echo “$file not found”
fi
[ -d “logs” ] || mkdir -p logs
cp -v “$file” “logs/$file.$(date +%F)” 2>/dev/null || true
echo “———————————–“
7) Scheduling with cron
echo “To schedule this script with cron, run: crontab -e”
echo “Example: Run daily at 10 AM -> 0 10 * * * /path/to/script.sh”
echo “———————————–“
8) Real-World Backup Script
src=”/home/user/data”
dest=”/backup/data_$(date +%F_%H-%M-%S).tar.gz”
mkdir -p “$(dirname “$dest”)”
tar -czf “$dest” “$src”
echo “Backup created at: $dest”
DevSecOps: Bob Thomas Team
Session 1: User and Group Management – Loganathan
1) Add a new user
sudo adduser username
2) Set password for a user
sudo passwd username
3) Delete a user (keep home directory)
sudo deluser username
4) Delete a user (remove home directory)
sudo deluser –remove-home username
5) Add a new group
sudo addgroup groupname
6) Add user to a group
sudo usermod -aG groupname username
7) Remove user from a group
sudo deluser username groupname
8) Change user’s primary group
sudo usermod -g newgroup username
9) List all groups
cat /etc/group
10) Show groups of a user
groups username
11) Show current user info
id username
12) Switch user
su – username
13) Change user shell
sudo usermod –shell /bin/bash username
14) Lock a user account
sudo passwd -l username
15) Unlock a user account
sudo passwd -u username
Special thanks to the VGLUG volunteers —
Vasanthavel, Dilip, Loganathan, Deepak, Vignesh, Kanimozhi, Sathish, Vijayalakshmi, Mathusoothan, and Kowsalya — for their dedicated support and commitment to making these training sessions successful.
VGLUG Foundation 