The Best Way to Learn Python-Python学习之路

 ref:http://net.tutsplus.com/tutorials/the-best-way-to-learn-python/   post by 

Mark Dunne

Python is more popular than ever, and is being used everywhere from back-end web servers, to front-end game development, and everything in between. Python is a true general purpose language and is quickly becoming a must-have tool in the arsenal of any self-respecting programmer.

But Python isn’t popular just because it’s popular. It is easy to learn, reads like pseudo-code, and is wickedly agile. However, learning any new language can be a daunting task, and finding the right places and people to learn from is half the battle. That’s where this guide can help. This is your blueprint for making Python easy, fun and rewarding to learn.

---

Assignment 1: Start With the Basics

At the time of this writing, there are two main versions of Python in circulation: Python 2.7 and Python 3.2. Which you choose to learn really doesn’t matter too much, as the differences will be minimal—especially to a beginner. But you should know that, while Python 2 has far, far more 3rd party support, Python 3 is the primary focus of the developers designing the language. The choice is yours, but if your code acts differently to any given tutorial, make sure you use the same Python version used in the tutorial.

Wikibooks’ Non-Programmers Tutorial for Python

Wikibooks is always a great source to learn something new, and Python is no exception. Here you will find a solid and to the point series of guides that will teach you the ropes of Python. It doesn’t get too technical, and you can jump into coding something somewhat useful and rewarding pretty quickly. Because of this, I recommend this site as the best place to start on your Python journey.

The Official Python Tutorial

You won’t find a better source of information than the official python.org documentation. However, if you want to jump right in, as I’m sure many of you will, this might not be the best place to start.

The content tends to be more technical than wikibooks, which will be helpful later on as you progress through the language. But, for a beginner, it may just get in the way of what really is a very simple and beautiful language.

For beginners, the biggest difference between Python 2 and Python 3 will most likely be that Python 2 can use print without parentheses. Python 3 requires parentheses, but that’s all.

---

Assignment 2: Tutorials and Screencasts

TheNewBoston’s  Python Programming Tutorials

TheNewBoston’s playlists are always great, and you can learn a whole host of languages. ‘Bucky’ is a great instructor because he strikes a really great balance between being funny while also being easy to listen. I highly recommend any of his playlists—especially his Python playlist. He assumes zero prior knowledge of programming and will leave you with a firm grasp of the language.

Nettuts+’s Python from Scratch

A little closer to home is Giles Lavelle’s intro to Python. Like TheNewBoston’s series, Lavelle also assumes zero prior programming experience.

If you want to see some real-world applications of your applications, or would like to aim towards web development with Python, this series might be the one for you.

The screencast takes you from nothing to building a dynamic website using a Python web framework called Django.

ShowMeDo’s Python Screencasts

StackOverflow isn’t just full of ‘newbie’ errors and problems.

ShowMeDo has a huge catalogue of Python related videos. While it may not be the most user friendly experience around, the videos range in level from absolute beginner to the most advanced Python techniques. It is well worth checking out.

Build a Python Bot That Can Play Web Games

This tutorial is pretty specific in terms of what you’re going to learn, and I do not recommend it for a complete beginner. I feel, however, that it’s worth a mention. In this guide, Chris Kiehl shows you how to build a very interesting Python bot that will play a simple game for you. The tutorial really goes to show the power of Python; it can be applied to do everyday repetitive tasks that you may have on your computer.

---

Assignment 3: Free e-books!

Its hard to beat a good book when your trying to learn something new, and with the great community that has developed around the Python language, there is a plethora of free high quality e-books to choose from. Below is a quick list of some of the best. You can download a free e-book version for each of them, or you can choose to buy the physical book (or donate) if you want to support the author, which I’m sure they would greatly appreciate.

Learn Python the Hard Way

Despite the name, Learn Python The Hard Way makes learning Python incredibly easy—the way it’s meant to be! In this book, Zed A. Shaw works from the ground up giving you a detailed and comprehensive guide to Python without getting in your way of the actual coding. Shaw is informal but thorough, making the book an easy but rewarding read.

Think Python: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist

You won’t find a better source of information than the official python.org documentation.

As the sub title might suggest, “How to think like a computer scientist”, Think Python stays a little more towards the theoretical side of things. This may prove a little frustrating for a total beginner, but the book is well worth the read in regards to algorithm theory and high level concepts.

Invent With Python

If ‘learning by doing’ is your thing, then building your own game will prove to be a rewarding experience! In this book, Al Sweigart assumes no prior knowledge of Python and takes you all the way to building your own game. Given that the book is geared towards game development, the book may move a little quickly for a total beginner. Later on in this article, I mention a similar book of his where he assumes a prior knowledge of Python. If you feel you are have a good grasp of the language, then his other book might be a better resource for you.

The Django Book

If you want to learn Python for web development, then you’re probably going to be using the Django framework. This book assumes fluency in Python, but it teaches Django as if you are a beginner to the framework. The Django Book is as good as they come and will be invaluable for any budding web developer.

Python Books

If you don’t have enough to read yet, or want a book on a specific topic, then you should follow this link. The folks over at python.org have complied an extensive list of books, sorted by difficulty and topic.

---

Assignment 4: Get Familiar With StackOverflow

Thousands of developers have experienced every problem that you are bound to face. StackOverflow is a great resource where developers find solutions to their problems. When you happen upon an error that you’re not sure how to fix, search StackOverflow. You will more than likely find a solution and how other people solved their problem.