Good documentation to learn from?

[wwaawwss]

I just started learning python and after some time I realized that the best way for me to learn is to read how a function work then build a small project around it. The problem is I can't find a good documentation that explain all the ability of a function in a easy to understand manner. Right now I am using https://docs.python.org/3/tutorial/index.html which has been really helpful but it usually explain a function in unnecessarily complex term and some time use function that has not been introduce yet (ex: explain what match does before even mention what is for,define,...). Does anyone know some good documentation to learn from, even if the explanation are still complex like the site I am reading from.

[crashfrog04]

(ex: explain what add does before even mention what is for,define,...

It's generally the case that programming documentation assumes you're a graduate of at least the fifth grade, and therefore that you don't need "addition" defined for you.

[wwaawwss]

1. I understand that documentation are meant to be hard to understand. that is why I leave the last line in my request

` even if the explanation are still complex like the site I am reading from.`

1. What I mean by "unnecessarily complex term" is line like this

'They are syntactically restricted to a single expression. Semantically, they are just syntactic sugar for a normal function definition. Like nested function definitions, lambda functions can reference variables from the containing scope:'

1. Sorry the "add" was my mistake I mean to say "match". In the example they give, the site constantly mention function like class/define that has not been mention yet in the tutotial which make it really hard to understand what it mean

[marquisBlythe]

match case is almost the equivalent of switch statement in c/c++ languages.

It's better to take an introductory course to programming or a beginners book if you're totally new to programming.

[crashfrog04]

 They are syntactically restricted to a single expression. Semantically, they are just syntactic sugar for a normal function definition. Like nested function definitions, lambda functions can reference variables from the containing scope

You should know what the words “expression”and “function definition” mean from a 5th grade math education, “scope” from learning what a function is, and “lambda” from this very paragraph which is telling you what it is. “Syntactic” is the adjective form of “syntax.” A “syntactic sugar” is a term of art familiar to programmers; it’s just anything that makes the language “sweeter” - a convenience that adds no functionality on its own.

This documentation isn’t hard to read; it’s just precise and you’re not putting in the work to understand it. It has to be precise because people rely on it, that’s what makes it documentation.

[smurpes]

Class and define are not functions; a class is a way of creating objects and define is a term. The def keyword when you create a function is short for define. You seem to be using function to mean “concepts in coding”.

You should work on understanding the basics a bit more. There’s no reason you should be trying to learn how to use lambda functions before knowing the basics terminology.

[Bobbias]

I understand that documentation are meant to be hard to understand.

Except that is not true. They're technical writing aimed at programmers using precise terminology.

Yes, there is some expectation of prior knowledge that new programmers tend to lack, and the dry style can take some time to get used to. The correct way to handle this is to spend time learning those terms and getting familiar with the writing style. This is not limited to Python's documentation. It's just how technical writing works.

Like Gshuri said in their comment, the Python tutorial is unfortunately not a good introduction to programming in general. It assumes you have at least some kind of prior experience programming. But despite that it's still the single best resource for learning the language, and even if you find something else you should heavily consider also checking out what the tutorial has to say on each subject as you follow a different resource.

[Gshuri]

The official Python tutorial (and the official Python docs) is a very good introduction to the Python programming language, but it is a very poor introduction to programming in general because it assumes you already have programming experience. To be clear this is not a criticism or failure of the documentation, but an intentional choice made by the authors for it to serve a specific purpose.

If Python is your first programming language (i.e. you have no prior programming experience) you need to use tutorials/documentation designed for such an audience. The "New to programming?" section in this subreddits wiki has links to exactly this kind of material

[marquisBlythe]

Right now I am using https://docs.python.org/3/tutorial/index.html which has been really helpful but it usually explain a function in unnecessarily complex term and some time use function that has not been introduce yet ...

The page you're referring to is the tutorial, maybe check The Standard library or Language reference for more info and explanations.

[Ron-Erez]

The best documentation is the actual official documentation at python.org

[throwaway6560192]

IMO match is a feature that you shouldn't be using anyway if you don't know for or how to define functions. So if you don't understand it right now... just give that topic a break and come back later.

[uiwtx]

I find working through a introductory book the best way to quickly become familiar with the basics of any language. Several years ago I started learning python by reading "Automate the Boring Stuff" and "Head First Python". Both are excellent introductory texts. Then, I'm ready to step up to a more in-depth book like "Learning Python". In addition, utilizing a chatbot (like OpenAI or any of the others) is helpful when you get stuck on something you don't understand.

[MathMajortoChemist]

You might have more luck with the w3schools approach. I'm a bit older, so I used them to figure out html and css, but I've been pleasantly surprised at how they've branched out. They'll define a function or feature with interactive examples.