[Tutor] (no subject)

[William Ray Wing]

On Mar 24, 2013, at 8:13 PM, Mandi Seger <msegerrn at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hello, everyone,
> 
> I am looking for suggestions on a beginner's book for learning Python. I have a nursing background with basic science and math education. I have no programming experience in any computer language.
> 
> I am currently enrolled in a Master's program for Geographic Information Science and will be learning Python with an eye toward applying it in GIS software programs such as ESRI's ArcMap.
> 
> I prefer to start with a book for ease of reference, and then move forward with online resources.
> 
> Thank you for any input.
> 
> Mandi Seger
> _______________________________________________

Mandi,
    I've looked at both Alan and Robert's replies.  They are both good and relevant - but I'm a bit concerned with your statement that: "I have no programming experience in any computer language."  In and of itself, this is NOT a problem, and with a nursing background and a math and science education, you are obviously more than smart enough.  What I'm focused on is the initial a-ha! moment when you suddenly see just what programming is all about - or more properly, how you examine a problem you want to solve and express that problem as a series of steps that the computer can carry out.  Most of the folks on this list experienced that a-ha moment so long ago, they've forgotten what it was like.  Different people get to that moment in different ways, and through different learning experiences.  But that moment IS critical.  Without it, you are writing programs by rote, and that will be frustrating and you won't get very far - let alone enjoy it, which you should.  With it, and after learning your first computer language (and Python is an excellent choice), then learning other languages is trivial.  This is a VERY long winded and indirect recommendation to spend a couple of days in your university's book store.  It should have a sizable section on various computer languages and a selection of beginner books.  Look at the first chapter in several (and look at the first section of Alan's on-line tutorial, in which he talks about this subject).  What you are looking for is a book that speaks to YOU, and gets you over that very first conceptual hump.
    I might also suggest that as a first problem, pick something that is almost a pure exercise in simple mathematical logic - searching for prime numbers for example, or for perfect numbers.  Once you can break a problem like that down into simple declarative steps, you are on your way.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Python

-Bill