Question

I'm new to this and stuck on ps1. do u learn the necessary programming stuff for ps1 on lec 2 or lec 3? cuz im so lost lol i don't even feel like enough was said to make those programs yet. im dedicated to understanding this though.

Answer 1

I'd watch all the lectures up to the one on which the lecture is due, including the recitations.

Answer 2

ok will do.

Answer 3

Also, make sure that you look at the hand outs for each lecture, as they give you an example of how each function works in an applied setting

Answer 4

The Tutorial in the Python documentation is a must - you should go through it as often as you need to. The docs should be installed on your computer - F1 in IDLE if using windows.
I find the docs installed on my computer easier to use (index tab) than the online docs.
http://docs.python.org/tutorial/index.html

There is also some excellent beginner stuff in the getting started section of the Python wiki
http://wiki.python.org/moin/

Answer 5

I've just finished Lecture 1 and PS0, and got through them all right, but am pretty sure I'll be in over my head very shortly. I followed the links above, which both, if I follow links for beginner tutorials, land me at tutorials that are over my head from the start. I see that the first link is to documentation for Python v2.7.3., so I'll be avoiding that, and stick to the tutorial internal to my v2.5.4. None of these tutorials (at least none I've managed to navigate my way to) are written for those who've never programmed before; there are conventions and terminology used and not explained. There's not enough in the way of examples for me to figure them out on my own, and they block my learning. Very frustrating. If these tutorials are the best that are available to the true beginner, then I may be in the wrong place.