Python as a Beginner Language

[konfab]

Python is perfect for learning to code IMO as it basically is the ideal thal "lower" languages subscribe to. If people learned to make their Java or C++ code more pythonic, the world would be a happier place.

 

[flippakitten]

I regret not learning python long time ago, my work would have been made easier as it involves lot of data sourcing and analysis. Now, whenever I have to do something, first thing that comes to mind is there must be py module for that or or I can quickly put together a script.

If I want to do something with data quickly and accurately, it's Python.

BUT as "that guy" said, Java is a good place to go at the moment with all the stream processing business happening.
Coming from a PHP, Ruby, Python, Javascript background, getting thrown a Java stack trace is like trying to eat custard with a sponge.

 

[flippakitten]

Python is perfect for learning to code IMO as it basically is the ideal thal "lower" languages subscribe to. If people learned to make their Java or C++ code more pythonic, the world would be a happier place.

Also apply some of the Ruby fundamentals... Like not using single character names

for m in md

Is just bad for future you (and anyone else that needs figure out what you did)

 

[konfab]

Also apply some of the Ruby fundamentals... Like not using single character names

for m in md

Is just bad for future you (and anyone else that needs figure out what you did)

it is ok in some circumstances.

if the variable is iterating an index value (like "i" in an array, or an x,y coordinate), using a single character name is fine.

 

[Hamster]

If I want to do something with data quickly and accurately, it's Python.

BUT as "that guy" said, Java is a good place to go at the moment with all the stream processing business happening.
Coming from a PHP, Ruby, Python, Javascript background, getting thrown a Java stack trace is like trying to eat custard with a sponge.

You mean stream as in the .stream()? Rather use C# then, they did it first with LINQ and it is way better (I code Java full time so don't be hating, it's crap ).

 

[Necropolis]

I'm not sure a loosely typed language like python is the ideal place to learn programming.

I'd suggest starting off with something like Java or C# and moving to python once you are comfortable with the basics in either of those languages.

 

[vic777]

I'm not sure a loosely typed language like python is the ideal place to learn programming.

I'd suggest starting off with something like Java or C# and moving to python once you are comfortable with the basics in either of those languages.

Python is a fantastic language - but I agree with you. I think its better to start with a strongly-typed language, then move on to something like Python.

 

[ima_be_thatguy]

Python is perfect for learning to code IMO as it basically is the ideal thal "lower" languages subscribe to. If people learned to make their Java or C++ code more pythonic, the world would be a happier place.

Noooooooooooooooooooo

 

[ima_be_thatguy]

You wouldnt ask a "programmer" with scripting language experience to write flight control systems ....

 

[SlinkyMike]

I'm not sure a loosely typed language like python is the ideal place to learn programming.

I'd suggest starting off with something like Java or C# and moving to python once you are comfortable with the basics in either of those languages.

Python is a fantastic language - but I agree with you. I think its better to start with a strongly-typed language, then move on to something like Python.

Not arguing against this but it does depend on your definition of strong/weak typing.

If your concerns lie mainly around implicit type conversion then I'd say that really it's a capability of the language to use (or not) as you see fit.

I don't see this as a hindrance to learning how to program a computer.

It's something that tends to bother the mathematical purists but has little impact on the effectiveness of a programmer.

There are several definitions of strong/weak typing though...

 

[ima_be_thatguy]

You wouldnt ask a "programmer" with scripting language experience to write flight control systems ....

"Gotta be that guy :crylaugh:"

 

[czc]

You wouldnt ask a "programmer" with scripting language experience to write flight control systems ....

I mean, what could possibly go wrong?

 

[Johnatan56]

I mean, what could possibly go wrong?

Nothing, all the planes would land perfectly (just not in the correct place/condition).

 

[vic777]

Not arguing against this but it does depend on your definition of strong/weak typing.

If your concerns lie mainly around implicit type conversion then I'd say that really it's a capability of the language to use (or not) as you see fit.

I don't see this as a hindrance to learning how to program a computer.

It's something that tends to bother the mathematical purists but has little impact on the effectiveness of a programmer.

There are several definitions of strong/weak typing though...

Many definitions of strong/weak typing, I agree. Then add to that static vs dynamic

Without getting too technical in the definitions though, my personal experience is that people who start with a strongly typed language like C++ or Java usually write better code later on when they start using untyped languages than the other way around. I also think people who start with untyped languages struggle more when they move on to something like C++

It definitely has an effect on the maintainability of code - the guy who has worked in a typed language will think about what kind of data a variable should ever contain and not just reuse variables to contain a different type of data later on.

The more the compiler can help you the better off you are.

Other people will disagree, this is my personal experience, nothing else.

 

[vic777]

it is ok in some circumstances.

if the variable is iterating an index value (like "i" in an array, or an x,y coordinate), using a single character name is fine.

Agreed - one of the few places where I'll do it. Using i and j for loop counters is well-established. If its a larger loop where confusion might occur, I'll use a different variable name than i.

 

[ima_be_thatguy]

Nothing, all the planes would land perfectly (just not in the correct place/condition).

Or not land planes but helicopters, because strongly typed

 

[ima_be_thatguy]

Many definitions of strong/weak typing, I agree. Then add to that static vs dynamic

Without getting too technical in the definitions though, my personal experience is that people who start with a strongly typed language like C++ or Java usually write better code later on when they start using untyped languages than the other way around. I also think people who start with untyped languages struggle more when they move on to something like C++

It definitely has an effect on the maintainability of code - the guy who has worked in a typed language will think about what kind of data a variable should ever contain and not just reuse variables to contain a different type of data later on.

The more the compiler can help you the better off you are.

Other people will disagree, this is my personal experience, nothing else.

Agree