Beginning programming with Python

[Ivan Van Laningham]

Hi All--

Aaron Ginn wrote:
> 
> Hello all,
> 
> I'm starting a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting computer
> literacy in low-income youth (ages 12-18). 

An admirable goal indeed.  I will be interested in hearing how well this
works.  Are you affiliating yourself with any municipal, civic or
religious organizations?

> The curriculum will
> include an introduction to programming using either Python or Perl.
> 
> First, I know Perl very well, but I know nothing about Python.  I've
> heard from many sources that Python is the best language to teach
> someone with no programming experience because it emphasizes
> fundamentals and the correct (i.e. best) way to program.  Could anyone
> comment on how the two languages compare in this aspect?  Also, I will
> need to learn Python as well if I choose to go that route.  I am very
> literate with Perl and Tcl/TK.  How quickly can I expect to pick up
> Python?
> 

*Extremely* quickly.  In fact, if you'd started yesterday you wouldn't
need to ask this question.

> Secondly, if I choose to use Python for this, I would like to supply
> each student with a reference book on Python.  I've narrowed it down
> to a choice between the two O'Reilly books, "Programming Python" and
> "Learning Python".  PP apears to have a lot more meat to it, but LP
> appears to be more suited to the beginner.  Assuming the audience
> includes kids that have never programmed before, should I go with LP,
> or will I miss out on anything by not getting the more detailed book?
> 

Of the two books mentioned, yes, _Learning Python_ would be the better
choice.  However, if you can wait, _Teach Yourself Python in 24 Hours_
is aimed *specifically* at people who have never programmed before.  It
covers:

	1)  Introduction to programming (*rock-bottom* fundamentals--what's a
variable? What's a for loop?)
	2)  Introduction to Object-oriented programming
	3)  Introduction to Tkinter

The three parts have 8 chapters each.

TYPython will be out early next year.  When is your course starting? 
Where is Chandler?-)

PP is very thorough, but needs a new edition.
LP is aimed at people who do have some idea of how to program, and is a
gentle way to further your programming skills.
Both books are funny and interesting, too.

TYPython is for total newbies; I can't speak to either funny or
interesting (modesty overwhelms me), but I try to get their attention.

None of these three books is a *reference*, however.  If you really want
a reference, then you're better off with Dave Beazley's _Python: 
Essential Reference_.  But you need to know Python before you can make
use of it.


Hope this helps,

<oh-goodness-i-am-so-shy-i-embarass-myself>-ly y'rs,
Ivan

<or-is-that-shameless-shameless-plugs-r-us?>-ly y'rs,
Ivan
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Ivan Van Laningham
Callware Technologies, Inc.
ivanlan at callware.com
ivanlan at home.com
http://www.pauahtun.org
See also: 
http://www.foretec.com/python/workshops/1998-11/proceedings.html
Army Signal Corps:  Cu Chi, Class of '70
Author:  Teach Yourself Python in 24 Hours
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