[Python-Dev] ?s re documentation of Python features

[Ryan Gonzalez]

Ask on python-list <https://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list>.
Also check out the FAQ <https://docs.python.org/3/faq/index.html> and the Help
page <https://www.python.org/about/help/>. Not sure what your problem is;
Python is EXTREMELY well documented.

On Tue, Feb 24, 2015 at 7:15 PM, GARRY M CRANE <gandkcrane at msn.com> wrote:

> I am trying to learn Python for use in computational biology.  I am using
> the interesting book: "*Computing for Biologists; Python Programming and
> Principles*" (by Ran Libeskind-Hadas and Eliot Bush).  It has an
> interesting and useful set of programming exercises at www.cs.hmc.edu/CFB.
> I am actually enjoying solving (doing) the example problems.  However, I
> find some of the instructions non-functional for me.  For example the *import
> *function does not work,  nor *f=open("filename.txt")*.  I have saved
> files per instructions in the programming exercise inside the Python34
> folder (I am using Python 3.4 in Windows 7).  But use of the *f=open()*
> command produces an error message that the requested file does not exist. I
> assume I have chosen a wrong location for the saved file within that
> Python34 folder, but trial and error has not led to a successful use of
> these functions.  *import* simply leaves a blank line .. no suggestion
> about the problem.
>
> Asking questions in Google and Ask about  where to save Python-related
> files that can be used subsequently have not led to answers - just details
> about structuring or formatting things to be written/saved/use of the \n at
> end of each line, etc.  Important details, but of no help.   I am finding
> Python to be very handy at many biologic things such as working with DNA
> strings, etc. but I find the documentation and indexing for finding how to
> use many Python features exasperating.  I am writing to you based on a READ
> ME file in my Python folder - generated when I installed Python.
>
> FYI, I asked a few questions of one of the authors of the interesting book
> - who politely replied he was too busy to answer right now - the book and
> problems were meant for a class ... though neither the book nor problems
> say so.  The professor hopes to get around to issues of use by non-students
> sometime - but not now.
>
> Another feature I have come across so far that does not work is
> importation of *matplotlib*.  I copy computed results (that otherwise
> would go to your plotting routine)  then go to Excel and with manipulation
> produce a usable chart there - but at a cost of time and energy.
>
> Your Python tool has many intriguing features - but some of the most
> basic functions do not work for me (even though many features do, e.g.,
> import random does work).  The failure of these features - so far as I can
> tell - is  because of lack of description (for the general non-expert
> public) about where/how to install various features.  Perhaps I need to
> reinstall from the ground up???  If so, just what should I do?  If there is
> a less drastic solution, can you tell me about it?
>
> Thank you for any help ... and if you could provide me a lead regarding
> WHERE to ask subsequent questions I would be most grateful.  Sometimes,
> Google or Ask or a U Tube tutorial does a good job - but if one does not
> know the 'proper' name or term for something, it often is frustrating or
> impossible to get an answer.  I have not heard about any comprehensive
> handbook for Python34 aimed at one who wants to use Python for creating
> programs (functions) that work - and is not an expert at back-room
> structure of files and folders.... have I simply missed it?  So far, I have
> not found a local Python expert to ask for help.  I am sure some are in the
> greater Seattle area where I live- but I don't know how to find even one at
> this time.
>
> Garry Crane
> gandkcrane at msn.com
>
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-- 
Ryan
If anybody ever asks me why I prefer C++ to C, my answer will be simple:
"It's becauseslejfp23(@#Q*(E*EIdc-SEGFAULT. Wait, I don't think that was
nul-terminated."
Personal reality distortion fields are immune to contradictory evidence. -
srean
Check out my website: http://kirbyfan64.github.io/
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