language learning vs. process

[Ryan Walker]

Hi,
I'm getting started with python and have almost zero programming experience.
I'm finding that there are tons of tutorials on the internet -- such as the
standard tutorial at python.org -- that tell you all about the language.
That is, what are the methods, functions, modules, syntax, punctuation, etc.
No problem there!

Meanwhile, I'm finding that there is very little (that I can find) about how
to do basic logistical things related to using python and implementing
programs.  For example: how to run a program.  That's pretty basic, but I
don't see anything in the tutorials about it.  With IDLE, it's easy enough:
just hit F5.  But working on my server via Putty, trying to get a concrete,
meaningful result, it's hit and miss.  For example, I find that sometimes a
program will run if I import it.  I typed "import smtpmail" and it ran -- it
asked me to input From, To, Subj, Message.  Other times, I type in "import
smtpmail" and it imports but doesn't run.  My server is Unix.  Typing
"python smtpmail.py" doesn't do it.  That seems to be what a few websites
say to do to run a program.  Doesn't work for me.  It returns 'File
"<stdin>", line 1' and a little carrot pointing up at the 'l' in smtpmail.
I know it's on the path since I can import it.  And the permissions are 755.

Another example of a very basic problem I can't find a solution to in any
tutorial:  how to log in to an SMTP server (authentication).  My web
searches have turned up only a few snippets of listserv conversations
between people who already know enough about the subject that I'm not able
to divine anything from the code they pass back and forth.  A search on
Python.org doesn't turn up anything that would help newcomers.

So basically, what I'm saying is, there is a wealth of information about how
to concatenate strings and stuff like that, but I'm finding it very
difficult to get started with basic processes and logistical things.  For
example, it took me longer than I care to admit to figure out how to append
the sys.path (that's actually in the tutorial but it's somewhat
inconspicuous.)

My ideal beginner resource would be a complete, step-by-step explanation of
how to implement a simple program -- starting with typing "python" at the
command prompt and ending with some kind of concrete result.  Then, with a
complete understanding of the process of writing and implementing (emphasis
on the latter) a program, my efforts to learn the content and syntax of the
language itself will be a lot more meaningful.  That is, I can learn things
like what a string is and have some confidence that I'll actually be doing
something (other than playing with a calculator) that can provide something
of value to end users in far flung places.

Might seem weird to start with learning process and implementation, since
it's all dependent to a large extent on using the language properly, but I
do think it's possible to learn implementation first (with a bare minimum of
language learning) and then go back and learn more about the language.  Just
something to think about for the excellent people who teach ingrates like me
how to program.

If anyone has any pointers on where to get more how-to information more
oriented towards process/logistics please let me know.
Thanks!
Ryan