It’s been a while since I used Python last. See my review on another Python book: “Invent Your Own Computer Game with Python” Unfortunately, like most spoken languages, you’d lose the ability to use a computer language if you don’t use it often. And I did forget most of it. This time, inspired by “Think Bayes,” my original intention to learn about Bayesian Statistics (more on this in future blogs), I decided to learn Python using Allen Downey’s book – Think Python.
Thanks to Downey’s teacher style, this time I think it’s going to stick with me. Also it helps to have the Enthought Canopy Express – a free tool with an integrated IDE to practice Python along the way.
Due to my previous programming experience with C, this time it took me just a week to finish the book during my “leisure” time. Also, having the free e-book (Thanks to Allen Downey’s generosity) side by side with Canopy makes a good hands-on experience. All the examples and downloadable directly from thinkpython.com.
It’s very helpful to do the exercises assigned to enhance the learning experience. Nothing beats actually coming up with the solutions on your own, then check against the downloaded solutions. Learning by doing it. That’s the ticket to retained learning. Also I refreshed my understanding of the object programming and learned a few things about GUI programming with Python and Tkinter.
“Think Python” accomplishes the goal of teaching the users how to program in Python – an excellent book and resource. Now moving on to “Think Bayes” next!