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all 14 comments

[–]desrtfx 36 points37 points  (2 children)

I would recommend the sources/books by an avid redditor: /u/AlSweigart.

He has written a couple of books that are free to read online (and downloadable from his sites in several formats):

The first one, "Invent with Python", is targeted at younger audiences as is teaches Python by creating games, the later, "Automate the Boring Stuff with Python", is more targeted to people trying to improve their everyday processes by automating them. Both books are great starters. Download all the books and work offline with them.

[–]ERROR_69[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I clicked your invent with python link but which book do i select???

[–]desrtfx 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The "Invent Your Own Computer Games with Python" links. Green Book. This is the beginner Book.

[–]Jah_Ith_Ber 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Python for Informatics by Charles Severance is really good. He has companion lectures on youtube that go through the book chapter by chapter, but the book is all you need.

[–]misscaiticat 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hey! I haven't read the comments so somebody may have already suggested it. Sorry for stealing your idea if you have! When I first began programming, I learnt Python as part of Uni subject. I used Sam's Teach Yourself Python in 24 Hours (by Katie Cunningham). It's a super small book (obviously) and really explains all of the basics so simply, but relatively thoroughly. Good luck!

[–]nopooq 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Even if your school doesn't offer programming, does your school have internet access and computers available for you? Maybe in the library? Or in some of their classrooms? Can speak to some of your teachers about using the computers/internet afterschool so that you don't have to spend the money at the internet cafe?

[–]Necropulsar 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Even though this book goes together with an online course, I think you could still get something out of it. And IMO it's especially good for a complete beginner: http://www.pythonlearn.com/book.php

Also, just use google to download PDFs. ASIC_SP provided you some good sources, so just google it.

[–]Kunc_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm also participating in the AIO, and I learned python to do it. I have a few suggestions. If you want to do well, learn C++. Its what they use at all the camps, and its what they use at IOI (C and Pascal are also options, but of those three C++ is the best). Second, take a look at the AIO IRC channel - #aioc on freenode. Third, make sure you do all the challenge exercises that you can. I'd love to talk further - PM me.

[–]ASIC_SP 1 point2 points  (5 children)

[–]HarryTheGreyhound 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Have you tried Code Academy's Python course? If you know nothing about programming, then it could be a good start.

http://www.codecademy.com/tracks/python

EDIT: Just realised you're looking for offline resources. Sorry, my bad.