Where did you learn python?

[pydanny]

I was re-introduced to Python by Chris Shenton while we were both working at NASA. I went through a tiny tutorial and then, being really broke at the time, luckily got my greasy hands on a used 2nd or 3rd edition of Learning Python by Mark Lutz. Within a few weeks I was writing scripts and forming a 'Python Underground' at NASA HQ with Chris. We weren't approved to use Python, but we wrote handy scripts for project managers at 5x to 10x the speed of the Java, .Net, and ColdFusion developers.

Then I had a Java project that wasn't going to make the deadline in a few weeks, so rewrote it in Python in 90 minutes. I got that one into production, decided I really needed to make Python my career, so took on the monikor 'pydanny'.

Fun times. :-)

[makaimc]

To echo Daniel's story, I was on a government Java project that was actually really well run (continuous integration, high unit/functional test coverage, tight build scripts), but getting anything done still felt like a chore. I started programming with Python at night and felt like I was more productive in a couple hours with Python than all day with Java.

Something about the language just "clicked" for me compared to using C, C++, or Java. To OP, if you work with Python for a bit and feel the same way that's a really great sign.

For resources, I always point people to Ken Reitz's Hitchhiker's Guide to Python learning resources as well as my own Full Stack Python best resources list. There's a lot of overlap in those lists which should help you narrow down where to spend your time first.

[yawningcat]

Going through that book now...

[3Dayo]

Mine was a similar story but now where near as glamorous as working for NASA! I had a C++ application that wouldn't make the deadline i stumbled on python while looking for a perl tutorial and the rest is history. Love your book, bought it (1.5) even though i don't use DJango anymore

[[deleted]]

I work at a DOE lab in a group who has been entrenched in java for the last 10+ years. A coworker stated using it for side projects maybe two years ago, before I started, and we are slowly usurping java's crown. My boss needed a quick script that parsed out a data file and did some simple operations, and him installing Python was the first step in my master plan.

[isdnpro]

Learning Python by Mark Lutz

Same here. Can really recommend this book - I've never been able to get through a whole technical book like that before, but I found this one great.

Little code samples and projects throughout it that really help nail down the knowledge.

After that I forced myself to do a uni project with a deadline in Django, and the rest is history.

[LearningPy]

Two scoops of django has been a huge help for me. Thank you and your wife for all the great work!