[Tutor] newbie Questions

[Alexandre Zani]

On Mon, Jul 16, 2012 at 5:09 AM, Matthew Ngaha <chigga101 at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi all. I'm new to Python and Programming in general. I've started out with
> Python for beginners, and so far so good. My friend who i might add, is not
> a programmer but has had experience in the world of programming (i dont know
> how much but he claims a lot), has told me to forget about Python and focus
> on PHP. He knows i studied a HTML and CSS course and told me for the
> direction i'm going in, Python is not needed and won't give me all the
> options or variety PHP can. Thats he's opinion, i'd rather make my own mind
> up, but its lead me to these questions out of curiousity:
>
> a) at this early stage i dont exactly know what web options are:(  but is
> Python limited when it comes to matters relating to Web options/developing?

PHP will get you from 0 to website by the first page of your first
tutorial. That's very attractive if you're interested in web
programming. Most likely, if you use Python, you'll learn how to use
the language more generally, before learning how to apply the language
to a website. However, in my experience (I learned PHP a long time ago
and Python a few years ago) Python gives you the most reward. I've
used Python for website building, but also lots of other useful
applications.

> b) Are there better options, or can Python get the job done as good as any?

It depends upon the job. If you plan on work as a programmer/software
engineer, you will need to learn many languages. Yes, hammers can be
used to put in screws and you could probably figure out how to use a
screwdriver to put in a nail, but really, you're going to be
successful if you have both a hammer and a screwdriver in your
toolbox. Java, C, Python, C++, each have their own uses. However, (and
this may be a biased assessment) PHP is more like a hammer with its
head removed and a screwdriver duct-taped on it. Sure, you can use it,
but it's not going to be a pleasant experience.

The languages which I would say are closest to Python in terms of
where they are put to use are Perl and Ruby. My advice is this: give
them each a shot (the first couple pages of a tutorial shouldn't take
more than a few hours) and see which makes you feel the most
comfortable.

> c) after completing and understanding a beginner's book, would i be at
> intermediate level, or still below?
> d) Would i need a more advanced tutorial, what do you advise after finishing
> a beginners course?

Code, code, code. Programming is a practice. You'll learn the most by
doing and researching solutions for specific problems you are
encountering. Then, read blog posts, watch PyCon videos, look at the
mailing list etc... Just expose yourself to the language and community
and learn through osmosis.

>
> e) And finally, are there other essential things i must learn after Python?
> i heard Django is important?

Django is just one way to do Python web development. It's hugely
useful for some things and terribly useless for others. There are
plenty of other ways to do web development.

> f) is Django the equivelent to PHP's MySql?

As plenty of people have said, Django is a way to make websites while
MySQL is a database system. You can actually use MySQL with Django.

>
> You dont have to answer all questions. Just answering one would help me
> greatly in my future decisions, as i want to commit fully to the right
> programming language.
>
> since this isnt a forum, how can i thank everyone for helping?
>
>
>
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