Kigneer

Nice to see a more friendly coding forum!

Years ago I was recommended by other programmers to start off programming in Python, as it's teaches you how to write proper code. That is right up my alley, as I'm a stickler to doing things properly early, to avoid headaches later.

My background is basically in web design (XHTML/CSS) and illustration, so jumping into the programming side is like diving into the deep end of the pool! It's not that I can't "see" how the code can function that's confusing, it's understanding how/why the code works to get something done that stumps me (I'm a nuts and bolts type). So I took the book route to "dig in" on Python.

Did get the latest (3rd edition) "Learning Python" tome from O'Reilly, and from reading the introduction discovered that, although not required, it recommends getting a "programming fundementals" book.

Would you know of a good primer of such a book, and any other book to get a good grounding from the start (such as references; concepts; things to avoid that will help)? Looking at Amazon there's a maze of books, so it's difficult to find the ones that are clearly written and justify being called an "introduction" and "reference" (they all look the same to me).

I'll be interested in designing small programs for my computer (organization lists; catergory listings for images, etc.), to eventually doing game modding (did the graphics side, but need to understand the scripting side now), if this helps in pointers.

Thanks!

Freaky Chris

Hey welcome to PFO, very friendly place indeed.

Python is a great starting point and also it allows for simple games to be written throught the use of PyGame which may prove help for for you to get an understanding behind the way games are written.

Python does teach good techniques right from the start indeed. Id advise looking at example programs that you will see around the place to see how they have been written and to see what people have replied with as this will help you get and idea for what good programming styles are and how to look at your code.

Hope you enjoy your stay and as a fellow Python programmer i hope to see you in the Python forums xD

Chris

Kigneer

Thanks, Chris.

Up to my eyebrows in reading, and hopefully what I do read will help me code right. Still trying to get through the long intro of the Learning Python, but it's answering a ton of newbie questions about Python's functions, and a little bit of it's limitations (glad this was included upfront, not halfway through this 600+ page tome!).

Will be at the Python forum when I dive into the first lesson. Still trying to organize the brain to think as a coder (I come from an Art background, let alone being a woman, it uses the side of the brain that lies more dormant).

Never thought I'd do coding, but after my love of web design and game modding (especially 3D modelling and skins), it just seems a natural progression. With the latter, it's almost a requirement!

Once again, thanks!

BstrucT

Welcome to the forums Kigneer!

Never looked into Python before but heard it's a good base to learn and understand the concepts of programming a bit better.

Don't worry 'bout getting your brain into thinking programming, that's inevitable. hehe

>BstrucT<

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Freaky Chris

Indeed it is the opposite side of the brain, but its always good to do both. I have to say i've not met many people that can use do both coding well and graphics. Alot of coder's including myself are very poor when it comes to graphics not all but alot .

Good luck with it all anyway

Chris

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brainf**k -- It's such a pretty language

BstrucT

I know what you mean man.

Just check out the screenshot of an app I'm working on in the "Show off Project Ideas" section.

I totally suck at it but it's still fun though, although,not as much as coding.

>BstrucT<

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Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.