Question

I need help with how to use python am just in 10th grade....

Answer 1

You may consider taking this class instead of 6.00:
http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrical-engineering-and-computer-science/6-189-a-gentle-introduction-to-programming-using-python-january-iap-2011/

MIT 6.00 is going to use some calculus. If you can't find the derivative of something (or if you don't even know what that is), you're going to find yourself frustrated & lost. I think you can do some programming without having completed calculus. But not really in 6.00.

Answer 2

There are reading materials for the class as well. If you are having trouble grasping what it means to think like a programmer, i suggest checking out the reading materials.

Answer 3

MIT 6.00 uses calculus?

Answer 4

I've learned the concept of a derivative in 10th grade... so I probably never notice that 6.00 used derivatives :-P

Answer 5

You may use bucky robert's tutorials: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Mf0h3HphEA

Diving into python is the best way to start learning the language.

Answer 6

Also check out http://www.youtube.com/user/khanacademy under computer science for some great vids.

Answer 7

Sorry, but I disagree with most of what's been written above. For example, Dive into Python is not that great for a 10th grader starting out; it's aimed at experienced developers, new to Python. Though it is a good book, it's not really "the best way to start learning the language".

I'd suggest Allen Downey's How to Think Like a Computer Scientist
http://greenteapress.com/thinkpython/thinkpython.pdf

There's also Jason R. Briggs' Snake Wrangling for Kids
http://www.briggs.net.nz/log/writing/snake-wrangling-for-kids/

Another good resource is Python Anywhere. They have online consoles, with Python and IPython consoles, in both Python 2 and 3. You can have a lot of fun on there, and it's free. There's a beginners tutorial on there, but I'd recommend the site more for the ability to play around with someone else's Linux machine and not have to worry about braking anything.

So I recommend going and getting those books and working through them. Pop in here any time you need a bit of help, or just want a geeky chat, I'm sure you'll be fine. You'll learn 95% of it of your own back if you've got what it takes, but you will need help from time to time.

Bets of luck with it all Abdullahi, and don't give up. It's difficult at first, but it does get a lot easier, once you get into it.

Answer 8

Keep at it. I think Guttag said it best; "there are moments where it is hard and slow and then all of a sudden things click". Just think that break through could be right around the corner.

Answer 9

Thanks man