Learning Python, a really old newbie
Jacqui
I just thought I'd quickly introduce myself. I'm trying to learn Python
as a hobby. Last year I tried to learn java and just found that it
didn't make much sense, so got discouraged and didn't get very far. I
did a few tutorials of Python this year, and found that the structure of
it made more sense (to me) so I've bought a couple books "Intro to
Computer science" and "Beginning Python".
I'm working through the chapters and tasks in the Intro to Computer
Science. I'm finding the format is great, with the questions and tasks
at the end, but the biggest problem I'm having is when I'm uncertain,
there's no one to tell me if I got it right! It's also been a long time
since I've done maths, so I really struggled with that chapter (and
didn't finish it).
My only programming background is color basic (when I was 8) and gw
basic (secondary school) when I gave up and took music at uni. I'm so
old I learned html by typing plain text.
So... I have a basic concept of programming, variables, error-handling,
"computers don't do what you want, they do what you tell them", that
sort of thing. I'm a new Ubuntu user so I'm also getting my head around
command line, which I like (is that weird?).
Anyway, I'm dying for the day I understand what you guys are talking
about and hoping you won't mind too much if I ask you to check my
"homework" sometimes?
Sorry for going on so much. But that's what I do!
Jacqui
Diarmuid Bourke
> Hi guys
>
> I just thought I'd quickly introduce myself. I'm trying to learn Python
> as a hobby. Last year I tried to learn java and just found that it
> didn't make much sense, so got discouraged and didn't get very far. I
> did a few tutorials of Python this year, and found that the structure of
> it made more sense (to me) so I've bought a couple books "Intro to
> Computer science" and "Beginning Python".
I'm learning it myself at the moment. although, with a degree in
software engineering just under my belt, so I'm probably not a good
comparison.
From a quick glance at the above, I'd say you need to look at the
object orientated style of programming, which java and python use.
Perhaps it will make more sense after you do. Try to find a interesting
problem which you would eventually like to solve, and work towards it.
>
> I'm working through the chapters and tasks in the Intro to Computer
> Science. I'm finding the format is great, with the questions and tasks
> at the end, but the biggest problem I'm having is when I'm uncertain,
> there's no one to tell me if I got it right! It's also been a long time
> since I've done maths, so I really struggled with that chapter (and
> didn't finish it).
Ask on the list and I'm sure someone will reply with a hint.
>
> My only programming background is color basic (when I was 8) and gw
> basic (secondary school) when I gave up and took music at uni. I'm so
> old I learned html by typing plain text.
>
> So... I have a basic concept of programming, variables, error-handling,
> "computers don't do what you want, they do what you tell them", that
> sort of thing. I'm a new Ubuntu user so I'm also getting my head around
> command line, which I like (is that weird?).
No, not weird at all :p
>
> Anyway, I'm dying for the day I understand what you guys are talking
> about and hoping you won't mind too much if I ask you to check my
> "homework" sometimes?
>
> Sorry for going on so much. But that's what I do!
>
> Jacqui
Good luck with your learning.
Diarmuid.
>
>
>
>
>
> --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Python Ireland" group.
> To post to this group, send email to python...@googlegroups.com
> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to pythonirelan...@googlegroups.com
> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.ie/group/pythonireland?hl=en
> -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
>
Daniel Kersten
> I just thought I'd quickly introduce myself. I'm trying to learn Python
> as a hobby. Last year I tried to learn java and just found that it
> didn't make much sense, so got discouraged and didn't get very far. I
> did a few tutorials of Python this year, and found that the structure of
> it made more sense (to me) so I've bought a couple books "Intro to
> Computer science" and "Beginning Python".
Personally, I don't think Java is really all that suited to beginners.
I think you may have a lot more success learning Python :-) Having
said that, once you understand the concepts, you shouldn't have too
much difficulty learning other languages.
It should probably also be noted that I'm somewhat biased towards
Python too, since I really like the language!
> It's also been a long time since I've done maths
I find that for "general" application programming, I need very little
maths. Books like to use maths problems as programming tasks because
it's easy to think of them though... No harm in asking here if you
don't understand something.
> I'm also getting my head around command line, which I like (is that weird?).
A lot of us prefer the command line! ;-)
> Sorry for going on so much. But that's what I do!
No need to be sorry, I do the same...
Good luck anyway!
To Diarmuid:
> From a quick glance at the above, I'd say you need to look at the object orientated style of programming, which java and python use.
I mostly disagree, because Object Oriented programming is an extra set
of concepts which need to be learnt, which may not be necessary to a
complete beginner. Not until a little later anyway.
Having said that, Jacqui might be ready, so your point is still valid.
> Try to find a interesting problem which you would eventually like to solve, and work towards it.
This I find very important. It's very hard for me to learn a language
unless I have something to use it for. It really helps motivation when
you have a goal to work towards.
2008/6/7 Diarmuid Bourke <diarmui...@gmail.com>:
--
Daniel Kersten.
Leveraging dynamic paradigms since the synergies of 1985.
Jacqui
Thanks for your replies and tips guys. I'm enjoying learning Python
and I think it will help to be able to discuss it with others.
> > From a quick glance at the above, I'd say you need to look at the object orientated style of programming, which java and python use.
>
> I mostly disagree, because Object Oriented programming is an extra set
> of concepts which need to be learnt, which may not be necessary to a
> complete beginner. Not until a little later anyway.
> Having said that, Jacqui might be ready, so your point is still valid.
depressing days with my Java book). I'm hoping by the time I'm done
the two books I have, that I'll have the important stuff in place.
> > Try to find a interesting problem which you would eventually like to solve, and work towards it.
>
> This I find very important. It's very hard for me to learn a language
> unless I have something to use it for. It really helps motivation when
> you have a goal to work towards.
>
make my job easier. One I pretty much have the actions of it (it's
very simple stuff), but I need to learn to make a GUI for it (so
others can use it), and I'm sure there is a better way to do what I
want to do, so hopefully by the time I can do the GUI I'll also be
able to make it a bit more elegant.
And you're right, once I came up with my wee projects, I was a lot
more motivated and excited. The guys at work think I'm crazy, studying
on my lunchbreak :-)
I'm really glad I found this group. I don't learn very well in total
isolation.
Jacqui
Daniel Kersten
Hah, I do this sometimes...
>
> I'm really glad I found this group. I don't learn very well in total
> isolation.
>
> Jacqui
>
>
> >
>
--
Brendan Lynch EO
Good to see another fellow oldie floating about the ether. I hit
Python going backwards from HTML - Perl - PHP - Python. Im still
doing it the long way with hardly any imports doh!
Have a look at the Python for Dummies book - I can relate better
to it than O'Reilly - must be an age thing ha!
If you get time pop around to one of the monthly meetings. You
will find them a friendly bunch of folks.
I find fixing a specific problem with a subset of the language
is the best way to learn. Trying to absorb the whole language in
one dump gave me mind melt - another old age thing ha!
Regards
Bren
-----Original Message-----
From: pythonireland
Sent: 07 June 2008 13:45
To: pythonireland
Subject: Learning Python, a really old newbie
Hi guys
I just thought I'd quickly introduce myself. I'm trying to learn
Python
as a hobby. Last year I tried to learn java and just found that
it
didn't make much sense, so got discouraged and didn't get very
far. I
did a few tutorials of Python this year, and found that the
structure of
it made more sense (to me) so I've bought a couple books "Intro
to
Computer science" and "Beginning Python".
I'm working through the chapters and tasks in the Intro to
Computer
Science. I'm finding the format is great, with the questions and
tasks
at the end, but the biggest problem I'm having is when I'm
uncertain,
there's no one to tell me if I got it right! It's also been a
long time
since I've done maths, so I really struggled with that chapter
(and
didn't finish it).
My only programming background is color basic (when I was 8) and
gw
basic (secondary school) when I gave up and took music at uni.
I'm so
old I learned html by typing plain text.
So... I have a basic concept of programming, variables,
error-handling,
"computers don't do what you want, they do what you tell them",
that
sort of thing. I'm a new Ubuntu user so I'm also getting my head
around
command line, which I like (is that weird?).
Anyway, I'm dying for the day I understand what you guys are
talking
about and hoping you won't mind too much if I ask you to check
my
"homework" sometimes?
Sorry for going on so much. But that's what I do!
Jacqui
**********************************************************************
This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and
intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they
are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify
the system manager.
DSFA - Virus Scanned
Tá an ríomhphost seo agus aon chomhaid a ghabhann leis faoi rún agus níl sé le haghaidh éinne ach an té nó an t-eintiteas ar seoladh chuige é. Má bhfuair tú an ríomhphost seo trí earráid cuir é sin i bhfios do bhainisteoir an chórais.
RGST – Víreas-scanta
**********************************************************************
Graham Healy
I am a newbie as well to python coming from a c/java background. I must say it's a neat language, and it's nice to see I am getting into something in which their is older approval and interest ;)
Yours,
Ham
Daniel Kersten
I also quite like this book:
http://www.greenteapress.com/thinkpython/thinkPP.pdf
You may find it useful.
Dan.
2008/6/9 Graham Healy <abo...@gmail.com>:
--
Diarmuid Bourke
> Hi,
>
> I also quite like this book:
> http://www.greenteapress.com/thinkpython/thinkPP.pdf
> You may find it useful.
>
> Dan.
The first 2 pages are blank in that pdf. but it starts on page 3. just
incase it throws ye off.
dmurphy18
http://www.diveintopython.org/
freely available as a download from the web site in a number of
formats.
On Jun 9, 1:35 pm, Diarmuid Bourke <diarmuidbou...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Daniel Kersten wrote:
> > Hi,
>
> > I also quite like this book:
> >http://www.greenteapress.com/thinkpython/thinkPP.pdf
> > You may find it useful.
>
> > Dan.
>
> The first 2 pages are blank in that pdf. but it starts on page 3. just
> incase it throws ye off.
>
>
>
> > 2008/6/9 Graham Healy <abo...@gmail.com>:
> >> Sure, you're only soft :p
>
> >> I am a newbie as well to python coming from a c/java background. I must say
> >> it's a neat language, and it's nice to see I am getting into something in
> >> which their is older approval and interest ;)
>
> >> Yours,
> >> Ham
>
> 4KDownload
Graham Healy
Book is based heavily upon examples :)
Juan Hernandez Gomez
I'm finding IPython quite good for learning (auto-completion and many other goodies)
http://showmedo.com/videos/video?name=1000010&fromSeriesID=100
There are many videos about Python in showmedo as well.
Eg. http://www.showmedo.com/videos/video?name=1100000&fromSeriesID=110 (A wiki in 20 minutes with Django)
Juan
Jacqui
I've been checking out the recommended links and I'm finding the mix
of sources is helping stuff to "click" better. Yay!
I also just purchased a book about python for Symbian mobile phones
(yup that's three books I'm carrying around). The apps I want to
create for work would be ideal on a mobile phone so I'm excited
working with this book too. It's amazing all the modules that you can
use on a phone! It's so easy! Sadly the SDK doesn't work on Linux so I
have to use Vista which really annoys the hell out of me.
I'm really encouraged... this is the first language since GW Basic
that I've found so simple (and my brain was better then!). And since
I've gotten a bit of this understood I've found looking at other
languages makes more sense ... EVEN java. There might be hope for me
yet!
I'd love to come by a meet up one of these days but sadly I rarely get
to Dublin... how about a get together in Mullingar?! LOL didn't think
so! ;-)
Thanks so much for all the encouragement and recommendations! It's
making learning this so much easier!
Jacq