Blogging Ottinger (tim)Starting In Python
Some of my friends and relatives are getting a start in python. Some are just curious about programming in general, some are interested especially in testing with Twill or the like. I have a few recommendations for the beginner.
The first is to go to the python home page. This is really Python Central. You will want to download the appropriate version for your machine (see the download button in the left navigation bar?) and then dig into the documentation section.
There is a guide for beginners. It is certainly worth traversing. It includes sections for programmers and for non-programmers. This might be the python noob’s best friend.
The tutorial is actually very good, but may not be for everybody. It can sometimes dive a little deep for a page or two, then be too simple on the next. You may have to skip over some sections and come back to them later. For instance, there is mention of unicode magic early in section 2, and you don’t really need it until later. I think that this tutorial has been receiving updates as enhancements are added, and they’re not always carefully merged into the learning stream. It is still rewarding to the patient.
For python game programming, I’m told that pygame is the thing to use.
If you are interested in web programming, right now the hotness is called Django though there are other web frameworks available, many of which are quite popular.
Remember to find and read python code, since deciphering code is a good way to learn how to write it. Just remember that not all programmers place the same value on simplicity. Once you are wrapped up trying to read code that’s confusing and ugly, don’t feel bad if you need to put it down and seek another example.
Finally, consider the great number of “how to” articles at The Python Cookbook which is part of a book by the same name. You’ll find it handy though the solutions may require you to dig a bit now and then.
Enjoy your new pet python.
