How to learn Python Progamming?

Question

I'm trying to learn Python 3.3 for a Programming Fundamentals Class.. Currently the book we use is How to think Like a Computer Scientist by Jeffrey Elkner 2e. http://www.openbookproject.net/thinkcs/python/english2e/ H Personally I am not understanding the concept of how to think like a computer scientist. When it comes to the word problems I get stuck and I cannot figure out how to apply what I learned because the book is somewhat general to me. I do not enjoy this book for a few reasons, I believe this book is made for someone with some type of programming background. I do not have any experience and I have not been exposed to programming. Also, this book has no sample word problems with solutions. For example a math book has sample word problems with answers and then the book gives you a similar problem to work through. This book just throws word problems at you and you are supposed to understand how to figure it out without it giving you a similar word problem and it does not give solutions.

So my question is are there any simple Python Programming books for someone with no programming background like myself with interactive lessons or sample word problems with answers that will show you how to work through the word problems?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Your mac comes preloaded with Python (but it's 2.x so you'll have to download the new one https://www.python.org/download/ )



Here's an online intro to computer science course for free by MIT

https://www.edx.org/course/mitx/mitx-6-00-1x-introduction-computer-1841#.U3TFgK1dWzI

just hit audit the class.



You can use whatever you want to edit a python script ... but at some point you'll upgrade to pycharm

http://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/

Answer 2

You can learn at coursera or udemy free.For advance learning you can choose certification programs.

Answer 3

>> I'm sorry, but you are giving us a lot of information about an

>> ocean, and about a book that teaches swimming in the ocean,

>> and you haven't even taken off your shoes and stockings. It

>> may be a good book, it might not be, but it's a book about those

>> who get their feet wet, and get into the ocean and give it a try.

>> And why aren't you asking your professor these questions?

>

> John (gnujohn)

Answer 4

Check out this:

http://learnpythonthehardway.org/book/



It's written for people who have no prior experience, starts simple, contains "homework", and lots of examples and actual feedback of readers with answers by the author.



He also explains how to setup Python depending on your system. He doesn't use IDLE though, and discourages using anything other than a text editor until you have mastered the basics.

Answer 5

Codecademy worked for me

http://www.codecademy.com/

I have never used a Mac, but this site may help

http://docs.python-guide.org/en/latest/starting/install/osx/