How to learn python by John Tangney

"I decided to use Python on a small, greenfield web app project and learned as I went."

How I did it: I find that the key to learning something like a new language is to make sure you have a real-world problem to solve. Otherwise it's too easy for the process to become one of acquiring "book learnin'". Also, the kinds of things you need to know when building something real are not necessarily the same as the things you might be drawn to when learning in an abstract setting.

So I chose a new, greenfield web app that I was building for a client. I had to do some specialized stuff to avoid using a giant Framework (like session management with cookies). The key is to keep it small, so you don't have too much pressure.

I started by reading a tutorial on Python, and then lining up some solid reference material. (Tutorials seldom make good references, and vice versa.)

Then I just jumped in. Started test-driving the code. It's hard and slow and frustrating at first, and I had to look things up constantly. But by the end of the project, I had good momentum.

Lessons & tips:

  1. Start with a small real-world project
  2. Keep it small at first 
  3. Get a good tutorial
  4. Make sure you have access to solid reference material. (Google for it!)
  5. Test-drive the code 
  6. Be patient with yourself


9 people found this helpful
 

Mar 29, 2009, 01:34PM PDT | 2 comments | 4 cheers


Comments:

geekloser is studying... HARD!

Your idea of learning on a project is absolutely true. I learned PHP and perl that way. I know I can tackle python, I just have to motivate myself enough to sit down on it for a while lol.

May 02, 2009, 06:58AM PDT | Respond to this

David Talbot is building a new list of things to do.

Good stuff

The tips are really helpful, thanks:-)

Out of interest, which tutorials did you go through?

Jul 21, 2009, 01:32PM PDT | Respond to this


John Tangney has gotten 4 cheers on this entry.

 

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