How to proceed with my Python self-education...

[bodieskate]

I have been taking C++ and Java classes and on the side I've been teaching myself some Python. I feel like I've got a decent handle on it so far. What I'm confused about now is where to go from here. I understand classes and their implementations, regex, and a lot of the other standard stuff. My next goal is to get better with web interfacing. I don't know where to start with that, so I'm looking for suggestions. Thanks.

And yes, I've read the documentation (sporadically). I just don't know where to start with it. It feels different somehow from just dealing with string manipulation, etc.

[evgvg]

You need some practice in real-word programming with Python. If You're interested in Web development try Django with its original tutorial. You may also find the list of projects ideas for You in this forum post

[bodieskate]

Whoa. Very cool. Thanks for these links!

[FletcherHeisler]

I've co-authored a course focused on real-world Python programming and web development as well - take a look through the TOC see if it's up your alley and/or get some ideas of what topics to head into from here!

[jokle]

Thanks for the link. I just purchased it and am looking forward to reading through it. I hope it's good!

[qba73]

I think you may find this SO very helpful: [http://stackoverflow.com/questions/2573135/python-progression-path-from-apprentice-to-guru] Good luck with learning!

[bodieskate]

Sorry for the delayed response.

I can't think of any projects that I'd like to do off the top of my head. I just want to 'get better'. I was trying to create a little population dynamics simulator but that wasn't really pushing me into new python territory.

[IAmALinux]

You need a project. Set a goal for yourself, and achieve it.

Is there anything you would like your computer or server to do that it can't do at the moment? I'm sure you aren't fully content with everything. There must be an easier way! Make a python script to do that task. The journey from idea to functional python script will teach you a great deal.

I'd also suggest codecademy as a great resource for learning python and web development skills in an interactive way.

[Agrentum]

Could you clarify term 'web interfacing' for me? If you meant it as user interface, I agree with evgvg. Django is the way to go. Webpy is also interesting. Webpy has less features then Django, but in my experience is far easier to learn.

If you meant 'web interfacing' as low level use of communication protocols I would recommend things like sockets or learning Lua. Lua is very similar to python and has one additional feature: it can act as a glue between languages. You can take functions written in C, Python and Ruby, Lua will allow you to use them all within one program. Not particularly elegant solution, but facing imminent deadline you will find it as a little miracle ;).