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Game Design and Project Resources: The Workshops Quarter => Computer Game Development - The Indie Alley => Non-game Programs - The Tinkers' Workshop => Topic started by: Glaurung on January 31, 2016, 11:40:15 AM

Title: Python textbook recommendations?
Post by: Glaurung on January 31, 2016, 11:40:15 AM
I thought I'd consult the assembled wisdom of Exilian. I would like to learn Python (the programming language), and I would appreciate recommendations for textbooks or online materials to learn from. I'm familiar with programming in general, so I just need something to explain the syntax and quirks of Python specifically.
Title: Re: Python textbook recommendations?
Post by: Lizard on January 31, 2016, 07:01:27 PM
I think Codecademy covers Python, but it is probably a little basic for us prior-programmers :P


The Python people offer various guides on their website (linked from the same place you download Python from), aimed at various experience levels.
Title: Re: Python textbook recommendations?
Post by: Jubal on February 01, 2016, 07:27:13 PM
Moved to programming section.

And yes, I just mostly use Python's own documentation. A quick read over SOTK's tutorials in the relevant section here might not be a bad shout either, though they're a little more aimed at new programmers.
Title: Re: Python textbook recommendations?
Post by: Glaurung on February 01, 2016, 10:31:31 PM
Thanks for the feedback.

I read through SotK's tutorials - that's what got me onto the idea of learning Python :)

I will aim to work through the official Python Tutorial (https://docs.python.org/2/tutorial/), with the knowledge that there's a wide range of others (https://wiki.python.org/moin/BeginnersGuide/Programmers) available if I want them.

Another question, if I may: should I go for Python 2 or Python 3?
Title: Re: Python textbook recommendations?
Post by: Jubal on February 01, 2016, 10:44:25 PM
Python 3 I think now makes more sense, most new stuff is being done for it rather than for 2.
Title: Re: Python textbook recommendations?
Post by: Son of the King on February 02, 2016, 09:23:41 AM
This wiki page (https://wiki.python.org/moin/Python2orPython3) has an in depth discussion on which one to pick. I'd recommend learning Python 3, and then learning the differences if necessary :) .
Title: Re: Python textbook recommendations?
Post by: Glaurung on February 03, 2016, 11:33:51 PM
Thanks again - yes, Python 3 looks like the way to go.