[ale] intro to python for the experienced programmer

[Jeff Hubbs]

Ben -

Can you elaborate on your perspective w.r.t Python vs. Perl - i.e., 
what, for made Python a "replacement" for Perl for you?  I have an 
interest in both languages.

- Jeff

Benjamin Scherrey wrote:

>John,
>
>	Welcome to the club! I really love computer languages for their own sake but am more objective 
>about them when it comes to getting real work done with them. That said, now everything I do is pretty much 
>C++ and python whereas python has replaced java, perl, bash shell, and any other interpreted or platform 
>independent situation that I find C++ to be inconvenient for. Its great for scripting and serious development.
>
>	The online resources that come with python are fine for getting you aware of the language and its 
>best use. My main hurdle is getting familiar with the standard library makeup cause its quite big and flexible 
>and I found the online docs only useful as a reference after I figured out what I needed. The python language 
>itself is quite small and extremely easy to pickup. I taught myself python by developing an online simulator of a 
>middle-ware transaction handler in a matter of 48 hrs and, months afterwards, never felt that the code needed 
>redoing so I had truly learned its correct usage.
>
>	The book I stumbled upon (now in its Second Edition) that made all the difference to me is David 
>M. Beazley's "Python Essential Reference". Its extremely concise and very detailed and exactly what you're 
>looking for. Its under 9" tall by 6" wide by 3/4" think and easily carried by hand or in my laptop case (where it 
>lives). Has pretty good code usage examples and a thorough intro which will remind you of python 
>idiosyncrasies until you've mastered them. Mainly its a well documented reference to the standard library that's 
>very quick to use. Be certain to get the 2nd edition, however, as lots has changed (for the better). It also has 
>a very strong index (the most important part of any technical book). You will love this language.
>
>	Good luck & best regards,
>
>		Ben Scherrey
>




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