newb

[geremy condra]

On Wed, Jul 28, 2010 at 5:50 AM, whitey <me at here.com> wrote:
> On Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:19:59 -0700, Mithrandir wrote:
>
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>> On 07/27/2010 04:07 AM, whitey wrote:
>>> hi all. am totally new to python and was wondering if there are any
>>> newsgroups that are there specifically for beginners. i have bought a
>>> book for $2 called "learn to program using python" by alan gauld.
>>> starting to read it but it was written in 2001. presuming that the
>>> commands and info would still be valid? any websites or books that are
>>> a must for beginners? any input would be much appreciated...cheers
>>
>> It may also depend on which version of Python you wish to use. Since
>> you're a "newb", I'd probably suggest starting off with Python 3. The
>> version in your book is probably version 2.*. The difference is minor,
>> but, when you're starting off (I assume with computer languages in
>> general?) the difference in syntax can kick you where it hurts. Programs
>> that work with Python 2.*, may not work with Python 3. However, I
>> suggest Python 3 since it seems to be the "code of tomorrow."
>>
>> It may also depend on what you wish to do with your knowledge of Python
>> (applications, games, web frameworks, etc.) If you want to make games, I
>> suggest also learning about pyGame.
>>
>> As for book versus website, I started off with, as others have
>> mentioned, learning online. Not only is it free, but the boundary
>> between page and screen is broken. Note though that some off-sites
>> (Wikibooks for instance) may not be complete in their writing.
>> Python.org has a wealth of knowledge about almost everything involving
>> Python. However, *some* of the documentation there may not be suitable
>> for absolute beginners. There are several links there to other good
>> websites for those with no experience in coding, all the way up to a
>> ridiculously complicated level. I highly suggest poking around there.
>>
>> If you wish to read a book instead, try:
>> http://www.amazon.com/Python-Programming-Absolute-Beginner-3rd/
> dp/1435455002/
>> Or go to your local library and poke there. :)
>>
>> Good luck!
>>
>> - --
>> People should read more.
>> https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/User:MithrandirAgain "All
>> that is gold does not glitter,
>> not all those who wander are lost;
>> the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by
>> the frost. - From the ashes a fire shall be woken, a light from the
>> shadows shall spring; renewed shall be blade that was broken, the
>> crownless again shall be king."
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>
> thank you all for the info. will definately check out your suggested
> links, really excited about learning to code and hopefully in the near
> future will be able to contribute somehow to the community. see you
> around...

If you're new to programming overall, you might want to check out
project euler too.

Geremy Condra