Consider also Processing (not python, but a learn-to-program environment that feels a little like a modern LOGO), or the not-dissimilar Python-based NodeBox environment. There's a lot less filesystem bother (etc.), and I think that both have built-in IDEs, so both should be more lightweight than jumping into a "real" python environment.
Zach On Apr 7, 2013, at 11:43 AM, John Velman wrote: > Thanks to both Chris and Matt. I've been thinking somewhat along the lines > Chris suggested, and will probably do that, or some kind of step by step. > Even thinking of looking into PyGames myself (in line behind a bunch of > other things -- it might come in front of learning OCaml). And thanks to > Matt for the learnpython and codecademy links. > > Barry's reference to the Coursea course looks particularly good, but the > timing may be bad, since it starts at the last month of the school year. > > Thanks again, > > John V. > > On Sun, Apr 07, 2013 at 06:34:05AM -0500, Matt Ambrogi wrote: >> John, >> I agree with Chris, some setup/installation is required basically >> everywhere. To get down to zero of that, you might have to look at some >> other online tools, as you might have seen when you were googling. Two >> that could be worth a look are: http://www.learnpython.org/ and >> http://www.codecademy.com/tracks/python as they seem to check at least >> one of your boxes (get learning fast). >> >> Offline, on my mac, the closest I get to your space (lightest weight, least >> setup/config, least ide learning required yet with some support) is a >> download of the free TextWrangler ide. One can have it up and running >> quickly and be off and coding python. It does nothing to help build games. >> >> regards, -Matt >> >> >> >> >> On Sat, Apr 6, 2013 at 7:13 PM, Chris Weisiger <cweisi...@msg.ucsf.edu>wrote: >> >>> My recommendation would be to go with PyGame, but as you note this does >>> require some installation work. Unfortunately as soon as you start getting >>> into being a software developer, the kid gloves come off and you have to >>> learn a lot about how software works. I'm not aware of any one-stop >>> user-friendly installer that will get you up and running in Python with an >>> eye towards games. My best advice is to do the installation for him. >>> >>> -Chris >>> >>> >>> On Sat, Apr 6, 2013 at 4:22 PM, John Velman <vel...@cox.net> wrote: >>> >>>> Reply-To: >>>> >>>> I'm looking for a way to get a bright (of course) high school student >>>> started with Python. He has a recent iMac. He is pretty computer >>>> literate, >>>> and knows the names of some computer languages, but no experience in >>>> programming, and little experience with text editing per se. He is >>>> particularly interested in games. Is at a stage of trying to decide what >>>> he >>>> is going to do in college, and was asking me about getting started with >>>> computer programming. >>>> >>>> I recommend Python as a good starting language. It would be nice if there >>>> was a simple IDE that works with python without a lot of setting up >>>> options, moving things around in the file system, and so on. I don't want >>>> to throw him into Vim or Emacs. >>>> >>>> I'd like him to get to something interesting (GUI, very simple games) >>>> soon. >>>> I showed him some examples from Pythonista on my iPad, and he was >>>> impressed >>>> at what could be done in ~ 100 lines of Python. >>>> >>>> For now, it would be really nice if he could work with the Python already >>>> on his iMac, and minimal other setup. Maybe the TKInter that comes with >>>> the >>>> iMac would also be a place to start GUI. It looks like installing >>>> TextWrangler might be a good choice for an editor. Or just plain >>>> TextEdit? >>>> >>>> I've looked at PyGames, and done a little other googling, and every place >>>> I've looked says install this, install that, use Home Brew, use Ports, >>>> don't use Ports, be sure and set such and such an option, be sure and get >>>> a >>>> version greater than x.y...Things that I might do, but I've been at this, >>>> at least part time, more or less forever. >>>> >>>> We need something than one can just do, and then learn while doing. Well, >>>> something Mac like. >>>> >>>> (I myself haven't used Python much for a while, am trying to develop one >>>> good app in Objective C on an hour or so a day. I use the Xcode IDE, Vim >>>> outside of Xcode. Am personally a dynasaur, am mailing this via Mutt.) >>>> >>>> Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. >>>> >>>> John V. >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Pythonmac-SIG maillist - Pythonmac-SIG@python.org >>>> http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/pythonmac-sig >>>> unsubscribe: http://mail.python.org/mailman/options/Pythonmac-SIG >>>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Pythonmac-SIG maillist - Pythonmac-SIG@python.org >>> http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/pythonmac-sig >>> unsubscribe: http://mail.python.org/mailman/options/Pythonmac-SIG >>> >>> > _______________________________________________ > Pythonmac-SIG maillist - Pythonmac-SIG@python.org > http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/pythonmac-sig > unsubscribe: http://mail.python.org/mailman/options/Pythonmac-SIG _______________________________________________ Pythonmac-SIG maillist - Pythonmac-SIG@python.org http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/pythonmac-sig unsubscribe: http://mail.python.org/mailman/options/Pythonmac-SIG
