Advice getting started with Python

[NeilIves]

Hi. I'm new here. 

I've been messing about with flavours of BASIC for many years so have an understanding of program structures. Now I want to learn Python, if it's suitable.

I'm wanting to make simple games and puzzles for my grandchildren so interested in things like opening a screen and moving sprites around with mouse and object collision detection. Is Python a good move for my experience and needs?

Is there a book that you would recommend?

Thanks for any advice offered!

Neil Ives

[Larz60+]

Here's a good place to start: https://python-forum.io/Thread-A-List-of...-Resources

[nilamo]

For simple 2d games, pygame is a great package. It looks like they're updating their website right now so the homepage is a little wacky, so here's a direct link to the docs: http://www.pygame.org/docs/

The intro page shows how to open a window, load an image, and move that image around the screen: http://www.pygame.org/docs/tut/PygameIntro.html

Whether or not it'll work for you personally, is probably a question only you can answer after messing around with it. If you like it, great! If you don't, then move on (there are thousands of different game packages across dozens of programming languages, so there's always something different to try).

[Kebap]

Hi Neil, welcome to Python and our forums!

Yes, Python can help your plans, and it is also very basic to learn. :)

I would recommend working through the official python documentation, it has a tutorial section as well. There you can find the language's main concepts and how it differs from BASIC.

If you rather want paper then websites, we can recommend as well.

Let us know your progress, maybe even share some of the games you create. Have fun!

[takaa]

I follow the mitx course Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python. Personally, I really like the content and the learning environment.

https://www.edx.org/course/introduction-...-6-00-1x-9

[NeilIves]

Many thanks folks; I'll check out all your suggestions.
Neil

[Larz60+]

also, Look at the python books by Michael Driscoll https://gumroad.com/driscollis#
Very inexpensive and good

[NeilIves]

also, Look at the python books by Michael Driscoll https://gumroad.com/driscollis#
Very inexpensive and good

Thanks Larz60,
I visited that link. It's rather strange; lovely images of mice which I suppose are book cover illustrations. strangley the images open with their action, (presumably 'Buy Me') buttons out of sight below the bottom of my display! It would have been good to read a full description of the books to check that they are what I'm looking for.

I searched Amazon for Michael Driscoll instead. Still very short on information and only one, (albeit 5 star) review. I may take a chance on the Kindle edition. Many thanks for the recommendation.


Neil

[buran]

Here is link to Michael's blog. On the right side there are links to the books. Check the Leanpub link to see the full ToC as well as read free sample. The price for Python 101 is 'pay what you want' now.
I like the blog, his writting style and I also recommend the books.

[NeilIves]

Here is link to Michael's blog. On the right side there are links to the books. Check the Leanpub link to see the full ToC as well as read free sample. The price for Python 101 is 'pay what you want' now.
I like the blog, his writting style and I also recommend the books.

Thank you.