So, Python, right? Me neither...

[SyracuvatTenlii]

Okay, seriously, I just had to throw this out there. I'm in my Computer Science I class for my CS major, and I had come in there with the prior "knowledge" that I had to know Javascript relatively well when coming in there, so with a little help of a friend of mine, CodeAcademy, I felt pretty confident. To my surprise, however, it turned out that the subject matter had recently changed, and rather than Java, the class is now centered around a language known as Python.

My true experience with legitamite programming as it is currently is scant, but at least I've heard of languages like C, C++, Java, BASIC, Revolution *shudders* oooooohhhhhh...Revolution...but, Python was something I've never even HEARD of coming into this class. Any input from the good board frequenters as to their opinion/knowledge about this somewhat lesser known language?

[Ditto616]

My first programming class was in Python. I came in with next to no prior knowledge in any programming at all and I got a 3.5 in the class, mainly because I have a very bad habit of procrastination. From what I can tell with other languages, Python has very basic commands. You'll be fine... Probably

[Twiggy]

I suppose I have something to thank. We started with web dev stuff, JavaScript and PHP. After that, I think it's C++ time. I wonder whether I'll ever touch Python.

[PokeRemixStudio]

Python is comparable to Java or Javascript. Some notable differences in Python's syntax are the lack of brackets and semicolons, and using colons to indicate a block of code instead. The variable types have different names, like str instead of String. But Python has the same object-oriented capabilities as Java/Javascript.

class Student:
    def __init__ (self, name, age, gender):
         self.name   = name
         self.age    = age
         self.gender = gender
 
Sue = Student("Susan Miller", 20, "f")
print Sue.age

Output is 20

[JeffTheKiller]

Question. (that's not a question) Be quiet Craig. Anyway, so what is python in layman's terms.

[NismoZ]

I have nothing to contribute to the thread but there is a relevant xkcd    

[Cat333Pokémon]

This semester will be the first where I will use at least a little Python. I currently know almost nothing about the language, but I have heard of it and seen it run.

[KingOfKYA]

KYA likes python.

You can read everyone code... because it forces everyone to use the same formating.

Python is some times called executable pseudo code. Ether way its good starting language because it makes you use readable code. For example you could do this.

C(like)

for( $items in array){ runFunction($item); doThisToo(5)}

or

for( $items in array){
runFunction($item);
doThisToo(5)
}

Python You must space it as followes (and no ;(){}[] $ etc...

for items in array
   runFunction(item)
   doThisToo(5)

Random tip for new programers always set some rules.
My basic rules:
never use plural forms of words.
abrivated names always 3 char
use camel case (forExampleThisIsCamelCase) some like - or _ though ether way pick one and stick to it.

[JeffTheKiller]

Originally Posted by JeffTheKiller

Question. (that's not a question) Be quiet Craig. Anyway, so what is python in layman's terms.

So I'll take that as a no on the Python for dummies

[Quadcentruo]

Originally Posted by JeffTheKiller

Question. (that's not a question) Be quiet Craig. Anyway, so what is python in layman's terms.

Python, from what I can gather, is a type of programming code (like Java or C++). It's simply another way to make a program, but with different ways to make the code.

[PokeRemixStudio]

Python's pretty popular among game developers too

[Quadcentruo]

Originally Posted by PokeRemixStudio

Python's pretty popular among game developers too

If I remember correctly, Python is what Ditto has to use for his game development class.

[Ditto616]

Originally Posted by Quadcentruo

If I remember correctly, Python is what Ditto has to use for his game development class.

Indeed I did, though it was a really, really, really simple one. There are many different modules, like PyGame, the one that I had to use for the game design. It really broadens out what the language can do. There's even a graphing one, which is kind of useful.