Best way to learn Python? Is it even worth learning as a first language?

Question

anonymous · Answer

Best way to learn python is this pdf file(Learn Python The Hardway) by Zed.A.Shaw .Yes, u must start with Python as a First Language !!

anonymous · Answer

Definitely worth learning, especially if it's your first language and you've never had any computer science/programming experience in any other language before. If you get Python, make sure to get the 32 bit Python 2.7.2 for your machine. Best way to learn Python is to actually use it (lame but it's true). Follow the official Python tutorial at www.python.org Follow online videos at places like youtube (a guy called Bucky Roberts owns a website called thenewboston with a decent Python series that's easy to follow, and the series is also on youtube; it's an older Python version but if you use 2.7.2 you can still follow him.) Follow the MIT 6.00 OCW course, which also covers important concepts in computer science using Python: http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrical-engineering-and-computer-science/6-00-introduction-to-computer-science-and-programming-fall-2008/index.htm Don't be intimidated by the MIT name and the math they use to explain things or make you solve using programming. It's actually relatively easy to follow and you learn almost everything a beginner in computer science should know. There's also a study group in this site (openstudy) that will help you with questions about the homework/lectures/etc. of the course. Again, just make sure you use 32 bit python 2.7.2. Read books. 'How to think like a Computer Scientist, Learning with Python' (that's one title) is an excellent book that teaches you computer science along with important Python basics and features. Search the internet for other recommendations. The problems in learnpythonthehardway are great to supplement your learning. Finally, write your own Python scripts.

rsmith6559 · Answer

http://www.greenteapress.com/thinkpython/thinkpython.html If I remember correctly, this book is written to be used as a high school intro to programming text. There are also other books on http://www.greenteapress.com/ If you check around the pages, you can usually get the books for free.