Want to learn Python. Should I take Udacity's CS101?

7 points·solipsist··5 comments

I am a programmer wanting to learn Python. Does it make sense to take the Udacity CS101 class from Sebastian Thrun and David Evans? Or would that not be the best way since I am already a programmer?

As a side note, any recommendations for solid Python books/tutorials? Is the official Python tutorial the way to go?

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I think it will be a good start. The lectures won't take long at all since you'll already be familiar with computation.

I've been learning programming with K & R. I enrolled in cs 101 as a supplement and found I was able to quickly transfer my knowledge of c over to python as a result.

It is basic, but you'll be able to move through it quickly.

Book recommendation: http://learnpythonthehardway.org/

Enthought regularly holds Python courses for people who already know how to program in other languages. http://www.enthought.com/training/

Disclaimer - I work for enthought and occasionally teach the Python course.

The udacity class will prob be too basic for you.

Sure... take the course. Can't hurt. In the meantime, pick up the tutorial and run through it. I picked up Python in 5 days, but I have extensive experience in numerous other object oriented language.

IMHO, from a scripting perspective, it's much easier than shell script, more robust than PHP, and better supported than C/C++ from a community standpoint.

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