Python
For the past couple of months I've been dipping my toes in the vast waters of Python, a relatively modern programming language which encourages clear, expressive and fun to learn (cue the Monty Python references) syntax.
As with learning anything new, perhaps the most daunting task is finding out where to start there are a plethora of books, courses and websites which offer to teach the foundational blocks of Python. So where to start? As it happens, my brother helpfully pointed me towards a rapidly-growing "open source teaching" website known as Codeacademy.
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Codeacademy takes a very unique approach to learning (and teaching) programming languages, boasting the recent incorporation of their own server-side interpreter, introduced alongside their new Python course, allowing users to enter and execute code on the website. This effectively reels in those "on the fence" about learning Python since it cuts out the process of having to download, install and set up the Python implementation(s). Not only that, but courses can be written by anyone in the community, provided they go through a beta testing stage.
Although the interpreter has proven to be slightly buggy at times, the website on the whole left me astounded at the amount of hard work that goes into helping beginners. The courses utilise a somewhat novelty "badge" (achievement) system which encourages people to practice coding at least once a day, provide user-run Q&A sections for every course, and, most importantly of all, listen intently to user-feedback. I could prattle on about this website all day, or you could simply see for yourself how easy it is to get hooked into learning a programming language.
The other Python course I want to draw your attention to is the highly recommended book by Zed A. Shaw, Learn Python the Hard Way.
If you can look beyond the daunting title, Shaw's book takes the more traditional approach to teaching programming languages by encouraging the user to type every line of code by hand. As with Codeacademy, the lessons are methodically placed and start from the very basics. Although Windows users are required install Python and run it through Powershell, Shaw provides instructions down to the smallest detail.
I can't comment on how easy the book is for beginners, since I'd already finished all of the available Codeacademy tracks for Python by the time I started. However, the book has already taught me a great detail more, and it's good practice to repeat lessons. Unlike the Codeacademy lessons (which, due to the limitations of the built-in interpreter, are fairly strict), Shaw encourages the user to expand each script in entertaining ways.
In the end, I can't really recommend one over the other; Codeacademy is probably the best choice for those who aren't sure whether they want to learn Python or not, since you can jump straight into it. However, the lessons still need a bit of ironing out in places due to some minor bugs. Shaw's book has been around for a while, with it's 3rd edition set for release in February 2013, so it's a safe bet that his knowledge provides for a solid foundation. The book comes in four formats hardback, digital download, video courses and a free HTML version.
Needless to say, with either (or both) choices you're guaranteed to be satisfied if you stick with it.
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Posted in Programming Post Date 10/19/2024