[Edu-sig] Python for non-programmers

[Jeffrey Elkner]

I don't mean to be contrary, Kirby, but I was actually disappointed with
"Learning Python" in the sense that it still does make a lot of assumptions
about the background of its readers.  There are frequent references to other
programming languages throughout (offered as comparison with Python) and I
found the text to still be very intimidating for beginners in much the same way
that Dennis talks about the on-line docs.  There really is no good beginners
book using Python yet, but of the existing books the one I like best is "The
Quick Python Book" by Kenneth McDonald and Daryl Harms.  While it is certainly
not perfect, I found this to be the clearest and easiest to read of the
books that are out there.

jeff elkner

On Wed, 01 Mar 2000, Kirby wrote (in reply to Dennis ;-):
> >I am teaching my 35-year-old son about programming using Python.  He is a
> >musician and has learned to do impressive things with the DVD + CD-RW + SB
> >Live! on the Windows system that I set up for him.  He does his own web
> 
> <<SNIP>>
> 
> Question:  when you talk about the tutorial, I presume you mean
> the one that's included with Python.  I would highly recommend 
> investing in 'Learning Python' in addition.  That's really a very
> good book, and it _doesn't_ get into technical stuff too fast or
> too quickly.