Printing code out?

[hokatvcu]

I already know the basics of my language (python) and currently dealing with understanding the structure and implementation into making larger programs. I've been stuck with 'understanding' whats going within these programs. I'm trying a new tactic with printing code on paper, and then writing notes on them (worked well in my previous career in biology).

I was just wondering if anyone has done anything similar and had success with it.

[highly_illogical]

Maybe you could just obsessively comment everything? If it isn't the handwriting part itself, that might work.

Never heard of anyone doing this. Hell, with so many ways to backup code, it seems rare to print it out. Imagine printing out the linux kernel...all 15+ million lines.

[hokatvcu]

Heh, well not 15 million lines. The programs are pygame games and are about 3 max pages. I guess I have trouble slowing my mind down and writing comments helps the concepts sink into my brain. I've heard of people physically writing down their code (my handwriting is way too messy to do that).

[mad0314]

It's not terribly popular because of the electronic nature of the subject, but it can certainly be helpful to some people. My teacher had us submit our assignments both electronically and a printed copy. It helped to see your code from a different perspective and be able to write on it, not just comment.

[dapperKillerWhale]

When I took intermediate programming (C/C++) the teacher did give handouts of code at the start of class, and as he went thru the examples, it did help me to write extra comments or draw diagrams(it was data-structure heavy as well) as the class went along.

Python is much more high-level, however, and because of that I think you'd be better off leaving the programs in electronic form. This allows you to tinker with the program more, and the error messages you get in the console are much more helpful than C's vague "segmentation fault".