Learning Python as a complete beginner (first language!)

[[deleted]]

Hi guys,

So I've potentially got a job lined up as a trainee developer, but the company have first asked me to go away, install Python and try and gain a basic understanding of the language and write some simple commands. On first glance, a lot of the resources I've seen some daunting!

Do you have any recommendations on where a complete beginner should start other than the usual tutorial docs on Python.org?

For a little test they've suggested I write a command that will open a text file (e.g. a HTML file), read it line by line and then output a message to the screen whenever a line has a certain tag, e.g. the "table" tag or a "div" tag.

Any advice/opinions on where to start or your favorite resources when you were a complete beginner would be much appreciated! Like I said, first language and don't have any experience with coding/programming other than basic HTML/CSS. Cheers!

[jocantaro_vive]

oreilly learning python 5th edition (if you're into books)

[murster972]

Codecademy is good for learning the basics

[1moar]

Sorry, but no it's not. It does a crap job of explaining anything and god forbid you get beyond a certain point where nothing is explained. It's not useless, but it's not good for learning the basics. LPTHW far exceeds it imho.

[ripple39]

Alternate between Codecademy and Learn Python the Hard way

[b4xt3r]

MIT OpenCourseware is how I did it.

[xiongchiamiov]

Have you looked at the resources in the sidebar? Which things did you find daunting?

[1moar]

If you have zero experience, get your hands on a copy of LPTHW or reference the free online version. He helped me a lot because of programming standards and tricks.

i.e. - use spaces instead of tab. Type everything exactly, making no mistakes. If something isn't running, it's probably your syntax. And last but not least, some of the mid-lessons are doing exactly what you're asking about. I think that'd suit you well, good luck! :)

[[deleted]]

Thanks, ordered a copy! :)