How to Start

[Michael R. Copeland]

   I've decided that Python is a language/environment I'd like to learn 
(I've been a professional programmer for 45+ years), but I really don't 
know where and how to start!  I have a number of books - and am buying 
some more - but because of the bewildering number of after-market 
packages, environments, and add-ons, I am really quite perplexed about 
starting.  8<{{
   Yes, I could fire up the interactive mode and play with some 
statements...but I consider that sort of thing for programming neophytes 
or experimenting with specific issues.  First, I want to develop a 
simple Windows application, and because of the plethora of "stuff" the 
Python world offers, I don't know where to begin.  
   For example, what basic, easy-to-use interface might I start with to 
build a simple text file parsing and analysis program?  That is, I'd 
like to start with a simple Windows shell that prompts for a file name, 
processes it, and then displays some result.
   I am certainly impressed with the apparent experience and openness of 
the regular players here, but the discussions here (and in 
c.l.p.announce) truly presume knowledge and experience with Python I 
don't yet have.  Yes, for even a very experienced programmer, entering 
the Python world is very daunting - but I want to get started.
   Please advise.  TIA