Skip to main content
GameDev.net gamedev.net
🔒 Locked

Help With Learning Python

Started by costo Mar 27, 2010 at 9:24 PM 4 replies 600+ views
Original Post
costo
costo
Hey everyone, I am a Python programmer who is looking for some help. Over the past 2 years I have transitioned from programing in Turing (terrible language, however it was the only language supported by my school) to programing in Python. At this point I feel that my abilities in Python far surpasses what I could previously do in Turing, however I am now stuck. In school I was given a task to go out and attempt to accomplish and by looking at ways of approaching the problem I learned new programing methods and ideas. I am learning Python on my own and without having a few problems to work towards I don't see myself progressing as a programmer. I've tried reading books however I find that just reading about programing and applying their methods doesn't really work for me as I prefer to learn on my own through problem solving. In short my question is does anyone know of a website that can provide me with some basic ideas on problems that I can work on that as I progress through them I will be developing upon my programing skills? [Edited by - costo on March 27, 2010 10:09:23 PM]
Juanxo
Juanxo
Hi costo:

What are exactly your abilities in Python? I suppose that you use Obect Oriented Programming and all this stuff.

So you could try writing some small games or something similar. But you need to be more specific about what kind of problems do you like to solve. Games?, algorithms?...

PS: please write a title for your post, because many people don't waste their time in "Untitled" posts.
costo
costo
Haha, had not noticed that I did not post a topic title, thanks for letting me know.

Also within python I have basic to intermediate knowledge of it. I can use classes, repetition, input/output, arrays, etc. I also have a knowledge of PyGame.

My interest is in biological modeling such as illustrating predator prey relationships and the like and I also enjoy AI programing in general.

I've tried using games to build upon my knowledge however I don't feel like I am gaining anything from making basic games, and I don't really have the proper programming structure skills to create an intermediate game without making it a jumbled mess.

What I was hoping for is some problems that I could work on that would help me develop appropriate program structuring skills and allow me to become slowly introduced to more advanced concepts that would allow me to pursuit my interests in modeling and artificial intelligence.
Juanxo
Juanxo
I think simulating kind of predator prey relationships it's very difficult without deep programming experience xD.

At the moment, i don't know any resource to help you, but i'll try to find some.
Tyrone Post
Tyrone Post
I've found the book Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software by Erich Gamma very helpful in thinking about how to structure a program. I'd suggest you try reading that.

http://www.amazon.com/Design-Patterns-Elements-Reusable-Object-Oriented/dp/0201633612/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269749417&sr=8-1
costo
costo
Thanks for the book recommendation. After doing a bit of searching it turns out that my University carries the book! ...unfortunately it has been checked out. I did find Design Patterns Explained which looks to be similar to the book you recommended so I'll be reading through that.

Topic Locked

This topic has been locked by a moderator. New replies are not allowed.

Sign in to reply to this topic.