On Dec 5, 2007 11:43 PM, andy <<a href="mailto:geek_show@dsl.pipex.com">geek_show@dsl.pipex.com</a>> wrote:<br><div class="gmail_quote"><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;">
So, after this long-winded introduction, I was hoping to pick the wisdom<br>of this list to get some pointers of what to do/not to do to make the<br>most effective use of the few hours I have to learn how to program using
<br>Python. So, any advice for someone in their mid-40s who would like to<br>learn Python in a more methodical and effective manner?<br></blockquote></div><br>In my opinion, the best way to learn _anything_ is to try to do it, and then look around for tips every now and then in the mean time. You'll connect much more easily with the information when it's something you've recently struggled with. And practice is the most important part of any learning anyway.
<br><br>So, what do you want to do with Python? Any other hobbies you can connect it with? Perhaps ideas for a dynamic web site or something?<br><br>In my experience, learning something just for abstract knowledge can be fun for a while, but it's hard to stay committed. And there's nothing wrong with that, there's only so many hours in a day, and the things you actually use in life should probably take precedence :-)
<br><br>So if you've written small tools, feel like expanding them? Used modules in them that you don't entirely understand yet, perhaps dive into their docs?<br><br>Perhaps the Python Challenge ( <a href="http://www.pythonchallenge.com/">
http://www.pythonchallenge.com/</a> ) is something for you? It's at least sideways a little into the hacking spirit, it's fun, and it's a tour of what Python can do - but you'll have to find the way yourself :-)
<br><br>Remco Gerlich<br>