Benjamin,
: Thanks Martin-- this is really great. My major question now is
: that I need to transition to Python for a project and I need to
: learn how to think in Python instead of in R. The two strategies
: I have used so far are: a) going through the description and
: exercises in http://www.openbookproject.net/thinkcs/python/english2e/
: and b) trying to convert my R code into Python.
I haven't seen that before, but, of course, there ar scads of
resources out there for anybody learning these days.
: On a high-level, do you have any other suggestions for how I
: could go about becoming more proficient in Python?
Well, here is my list. Others probably have some suggestions, too:
* solve a specific and immediate real problem in Python, but solve
the problem as generally as possible; apply
* lurk here (and on other lists) and watch how experienced Python
practitioners help others face a problem in Python; absorb
* join domain-specific Python groups that discuss libraries,
tools or techniques that apply in your area of interest; inquire
* learn Python's common datatypes well, you will encounter them
often: str, int, float, list, dict, set; study
* learn Pythonic programming idioms, and, importantly, learn
why they are considered Pythonic (that will give you insight
into thinking in Python); gain relevant experience
* browse the standard library occasionally to learn a new module
http://docs.python.org/py-modindex.html
* learn how to make modules; build your code into modules (if
appropriate and where possible)
* read a book (lots of options here); I'm a 'learn by example'
sort so I liked the O'Reilly _Python Cookbook_ [0]
* read PEP 8 http://www.python.org/dev/peps/pep-0008/
Good luck and enjoy Python,
-Martin
[0] http://shop.oreilly.com/product/9780596007973.do
--
Martin A. Brown
http://linux-ip.net/
_______________________________________________
Tutor maillist - Tutor@python.org
To unsubscribe or change subscription options:
http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/tutor
