Two things:
1. Jigsaw Renaissance *just* started classes in Python.
It's a great place to meet other beginners, and ask questions freely
from someone teaching.
Thursday 9/20
7PM-9PM Intro to Python programming
I think there's a donation requested, ~$5-$10.
I think it runs weekly.
2. If you are just beginning to learn about abstractions like function
calls and objects, then I **HIGHLY** recommend exploration with the Python
TURTLE, built in to Python.
import turtle
for cmd in "FLFFLFFLFFLFRuFFLFdFFRFFRFFRFFLuFFdFFLFFLFFLFFRuFRFFLL":
if cmd == "L": turtle.left(90)
elif cmd == "R": turtle.right(90)
elif cmd == "F": turtle.forward(10)
elif cmd == "B": turtle.backward(10)
elif cmd == "u": turtle.penup()
elif cmd == "d": turtle.pendown()
else: pass
Copy and paste that into your Python shell, review the turtle
documentation page, and you can start playing around with things.
http://docs.python.org/py3k/library/turtle.html
See also this great talk on the turtle module:
*
http://python-turtle-demo.googlecode.com/files/SevenWaysToUseTurtle-PyCon2009.pdf
*
http://blip.tv/pycon-us-videos-2009-2010-2011/seven-ways-to-use-python-s-new-turtle-module-1957160
For example, it shows how to make primitive games, drawing programs, and
user interfaces with the turtle module.
-- Lion "turtle is most under-valued Python module" Kimbro
On Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 10:54 PM, Mike Malveaux <[email protected]>wrote:
> Hi folks, the subscription confirmation asked for an intro, so here goes.
>
> My name is Mike. I live in Tacoma. I'm not really a programmer -- my
> last job was Snowboard Instructor, and for years before that I drove and
> dispatched trucks -- but circumstances have convinced me that learning to
> program is a Good Thing. But, which language first?
>
> The sources I've seen that I like best indicate that BASIC is no longer
> considered the best program for newbies (nor for anything else,
> apparently). But Python seems to be well recommended for neophytes, and
> looks like it will do most or maybe all of the web scripting stuff I want
> to do down the road.
>
> So, here I am! I've begun working my way through the tutorial document at
> http://docs.python.org/tutorial and I'm looking forward to see you kind
> folks in person, probably next month. Probably 90% of the discussion will
> go whizzing over my head, so I promise to listen more than I speak.
>
> All the best,
> Mike M. / Tacoma
>
