Python resources recommendations
DL Neil
PythonList at danceswithmice.info
Sat Mar 9 20:18:55 EST 2019
AK,
On 10/03/19 12:41 PM, Alex Kaye wrote:
> DL,
> Good advice.
> U of M is well done and interesting.
Actually, I criticised them - but was looking at matters such as
"delivery" and from a cognitive psychology perspective - on behalf of,
but quite different to, the needs of 'the average' trainee!
From a programming/Pythonic view-point, I sadly noted Java-influence
creeping-in: weak use of Python terminology, pythonic coding approaches,
and similar. Probably won't hurt the average beginner, but not the best
training approach.
At the moment, there are a number of unhappy people who purchased the
entire specialisation (five courses), but currently stalled because the
last course will not be produced and ready for use until early next
month. Slightly naughty, but courseware needs to be carefully
constructed and that (as per program design) is both time-consuming and
something it pays not to rush!
On the plus-side, the material covers the ground, and does-so quite
quickly. I haven't seen any feedback from 'beginners' to be sure of
pace. There are a number of interesting worked-examples, which can be a
point-of-boredom in training/'toy examples' (I played with Python's
"turtle", simply because I'd never touched that sort of thing before).
So, to the OP, please put my bias(es) aside, take AK's positive
experience, and try it for yourself...
(you can always start-out $free, and once satisfied, return later to
fulfil the requirements and achieve certification!)
> One wonders what Arup plans to use Python for.
That's a very good point, which I didn't cover, earlier. Whereas
previously one started with books that might be called 'Python for raw
beginners' or some-such, these days there are plenty of more specialised
books, eg 'Learn Python for Data Science', etc.
> I am dabbling and am relearning from DOS and machine language on AppleII.
Which is another somewhat specialised area: MicroPython, Python for
Raspberry Pi, and similar for other smaller/older machines, SBCs, etc!
We now risk confusing the OP...
I remember those words - back in the days when my hair had color (and
not from out of a bottle either). Using the power of Linux, every day I
see much of the 'old' from DOS, CP/M, PDP minis; in our ever-green
terminal interface. However, despite much of my hardware being 'old' (by
other people's standards) I have no wish to go back as far as the Apple
][ - floppy disks, poor-quality display screens, etc. IMHO, there's too
much to learn, attempting to keep-up with 'the modern stuff', the
opening of new vistas... However, I can imagine the appeal of 'history'.
Have fun!
--
Regards =dn
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