Python Confusing?!?

Question

Im have just started using Python on Windows and I already do Visual Basic.Net and very basic C++ programming but don't get how to start using Python.
I don't get how to build programs into executables and I dont get the IDLE. Does anyone know where I can learn right from the start using the shipped IDLE how to build a basic app and build it to an executable.

Answer 1

>> but don't get how to start using Python.

The tutorials / Google would be a good starting point. Seriously, go here: http://www.python.org/doc/ for a first starting point. If you want books (some of them are free online), go the books section in the documentation and wiki.



>> I don't get how to build programs into executables

You don't. Python isn't compiled. It's interpreted.



>> I dont get the IDLE.

It's a code editor. If you have another plain text editor, you can use that to write your code as well. IDLE is just one of the many editors out there.



>> Does anyone know where I can learn right from the start using the shipped IDLE how to build a basic app and build it to an executable.

1) Your python scripts don't convert into an executable. 2) Start with a tutorial. Or a book.

Answer 2

Python as a language need not be that confusing. If you already do VB and C++, try this tutorial: http://python.about.com/od/gettingstarted/ss/helloworld.htm . If that is too quick, there is a series of slower-paced ones here:

http://python.about.com/od/gettingstarted/tp/pytutbeg.htm .



An introduction to IDLE may be had here:

http://hkn.eecs.berkeley.edu/~dyoo/python/idle_intro/ . It really is the Python shell. If you start it up and see a prompt with something like a side-ways chevron ('>>>'), you are in the interactive shell mode. To get into the non-interactive editor, where you can write the program and execute it later, do the following:



1. Select: Options --> Configure IDLE --> General (tab)

2. 'Under Startup Preferences: At Startup', select 'Open Edit Window'.

3. Click 'OK'

4. Restart IDLE.



As far as building executables, normally Python programs are not built. Python is an interpreted language and is converted to machine-readable code at runtime. This comes with a small performance penalty, but saves you time and the frustration of the write-compile-run-debug mousewheel. For more information on this, see: http://python.about.com/od/gettingstarted/ss/beg_executing.htm .

Answer 3

Python is an interpreted language. This means you don't build the programs into executables - you just run the source code.



If IDLE is confusing you, perhaps you should try a different editor. Any text or code editor will do - you can even do it in Notepad, although I would recommend a programmer's editor.



When you want to run your program, just double-click on the source file and it should run.



The best introduction to Python that I have seen is Dive Into Python, which is available from http://diveintopython.org. If you already understand programming concepts from your work in VB and C++ this will be ideal for you.

Answer 4

I'm taking a free Coursera course (with a free textbook online downloadable as HTML, PDF and/or e-book). The course is supposed to be very good.



Personally, I find the course and Python very, very confusing and opaque. Some other learners (especially ones with no computing background) also seem to be terribly lost, but many other class members seem to grasp the gist of it. I think they are mostly people already programming in other languages. Some of the assistants in the course try hard to help us, but there seems to be a pretty big chasm in mind sets. The pedagogy, if any, behind this and so many other IT courses is weak at best.



Still, for some-one with a computer background, maybe this course is ideal..

Answer 5

Your problem is important to us.



We are really really concentrating on it...



We are trying to care but No...No...we just don't!!!



Python IS confusing...Relax!!!!!!