Hi and welcome! > I just thought I'd quickly introduce myself. I'm trying to learn Python > as a hobby. Last year I tried to learn java and just found that it > didn't make much sense, so got discouraged and didn't get very far. I > did a few tutorials of Python this year, and found that the structure of > it made more sense (to me) so I've bought a couple books "Intro to > Computer science" and "Beginning Python".
Personally, I don't think Java is really all that suited to beginners. I think you may have a lot more success learning Python :-) Having said that, once you understand the concepts, you shouldn't have too much difficulty learning other languages. It should probably also be noted that I'm somewhat biased towards Python too, since I really like the language! > It's also been a long time since I've done maths I find that for "general" application programming, I need very little maths. Books like to use maths problems as programming tasks because it's easy to think of them though... No harm in asking here if you don't understand something. > I'm also getting my head around command line, which I like (is that weird?). A lot of us prefer the command line! ;-) > Sorry for going on so much. But that's what I do! No need to be sorry, I do the same... Good luck anyway! To Diarmuid: > From a quick glance at the above, I'd say you need to look at the object > orientated style of programming, which java and python use. I mostly disagree, because Object Oriented programming is an extra set of concepts which need to be learnt, which may not be necessary to a complete beginner. Not until a little later anyway. Having said that, Jacqui might be ready, so your point is still valid. > Try to find a interesting problem which you would eventually like to solve, > and work towards it. This I find very important. It's very hard for me to learn a language unless I have something to use it for. It really helps motivation when you have a goal to work towards. 2008/6/7 Diarmuid Bourke <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: > Jacqui wrote: >> >> Hi guys >> >> I just thought I'd quickly introduce myself. I'm trying to learn Python >> as a hobby. Last year I tried to learn java and just found that it >> didn't make much sense, so got discouraged and didn't get very far. I >> did a few tutorials of Python this year, and found that the structure of >> it made more sense (to me) so I've bought a couple books "Intro to >> Computer science" and "Beginning Python". > > I'm learning it myself at the moment. although, with a degree in software > engineering just under my belt, so I'm probably not a good comparison. > > From a quick glance at the above, I'd say you need to look at the object > orientated style of programming, which java and python use. Perhaps it will > make more sense after you do. Try to find a interesting problem which you > would eventually like to solve, and work towards it. > >> >> I'm working through the chapters and tasks in the Intro to Computer >> Science. I'm finding the format is great, with the questions and tasks >> at the end, but the biggest problem I'm having is when I'm uncertain, >> there's no one to tell me if I got it right! It's also been a long time >> since I've done maths, so I really struggled with that chapter (and >> didn't finish it). > > Ask on the list and I'm sure someone will reply with a hint. > > >> >> My only programming background is color basic (when I was 8) and gw >> basic (secondary school) when I gave up and took music at uni. I'm so >> old I learned html by typing plain text. >> So... I have a basic concept of programming, variables, error-handling, >> "computers don't do what you want, they do what you tell them", that >> sort of thing. I'm a new Ubuntu user so I'm also getting my head around >> command line, which I like (is that weird?). > > No, not weird at all :p > >> >> Anyway, I'm dying for the day I understand what you guys are talking >> about and hoping you won't mind too much if I ask you to check my >> "homework" sometimes? >> >> Sorry for going on so much. But that's what I do! >> >> Jacqui > > > Good luck with your learning. > > Diarmuid. -- Daniel Kersten. Leveraging dynamic paradigms since the synergies of 1985. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Python Ireland" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.ie/group/pythonireland?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
