[Tutor] Center Grove Student Mentoring Question

[Alan Gauld]

On 08/04/2022 19:02, Gavin Woods wrote:

> seeking a mentor who can help answer questions about the topic we chose.

As a group we can fulfil that brief, we just don't do one-on-one
mentoring. But we will answer any questions relating to the Python
language, its standard library of modules and general
coding principles (aka software engneering).

We will also critique code samples (up to, say, 100 lines or so).
We won't do your homework for you but we will suggest approaches
you might take and things to avoid.

We like to see real code and full error messages (and sample data
when appropriate). But don't include screen shots or other
images - the serbver strips them off for security.

> 1. Are there any specific websites/videos that I can use to help me learn
> python?

Literally dozens, including mine :-)

But if you visit the python.org site there are start pages for
programmers and non-programmers, each with links to multiple
tutorials.

> 2. What are some useful tips for beginners?

Write code, the more the better. Don;t just cut n paste - get used to
typing the constructs.

Don't just do the minimum suggested by the tutorial (even mine :-)
Experiment with different values, add extra features. See if the code
does what you expect and if not work out why - or ask here if you can't
figure it out..

Use print() profusely to see what is happening in your code..

Remember that computers are fundamentally stupid! They won't guess
what you mean, they will interpret exactly what you type and nothing
more. It might seem obvious to you but it won't be to python.

> 3. If there was one thing you knew before coding, what would it be?

All of the above!
Plus coding is way harder than I expected and also it's a lot
of fun in a masochistic kind of a way.

HTH
-- 
Alan G
Author of the Learn to Program web site
http://www.alan-g.me.uk/
http://www.amazon.com/author/alan_gauld
Follow my photo-blog on Flickr at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/alangauldphotos