[Tutor] want to chat with someone - phone, skype, or email

[Alan Gauld]

On 02/01/12 20:20, Tamar Osher wrote:
> Hi! I have never before learned a programming language, and I started
> learning Python a couple of days ago. I am wondering: *How does a person
> make the leap from reading about Python to doing Python?*

You install Python and start typing in code rather than just reading it.
Then you modify the code and see if it does what you expected. Then 
modify it again. Add some new features to the examples in your tutor.

Also try following a mailing list (this one might be a good start!) or 
web forum. There are also a few good video tutorials for a change in style.

But mostly you just start writing code. As your confidence builds
try a project of your own - keep it simple to start with. No, I mean 
really simple! No, even simpler than that!

When things don't work as you expect - and they won't - read the 
documentation and experiment. If that doesn't help ask questions here.

FWIW you are not alone. I'm just in the process of (re-)learning 
Smalltalk using the Squeak environment and I'm doing exactly what I 
describe above. Typing in my book examples then modifying them.
When I get stuck I ask on the squeak-beginners list - and so far
get very few responses! (one up for Python!)

> I would like to talk to someone. I don't have any close friends who are
> computer programmers. Does anyone want to briefly chat, and share their
> experiences about how they did it?

This mailing list is full of people on the same journey. Feel free to 
share your questions and concerns. Even your frustrations. We might not 
resolve all of them but we will try to be helpful! :-)

-- 
Alan G
Author of the Learn to Program web site
http://www.alan-g.me.uk/