One of my long-term goals has been to learn enough Python to make a small original contribution to the actual Chandler code base. I'm an old and very rusty programmer, and given the other demands on my time, I have not yet managed to set aside the time I'd need to focus on learning a new language (oh, and wxPython) and enough about the details of the Chandler development environment to get any traction.
Hence, my bright new idea. I want to hire a tutor (at a mutually agreeable rate) who can meet with me 1:1 for some hours per week, most every week for the next few months, which I will integrate into my schedule. I'm looking for a private class, tailored to my needs, as that will be the most efficient way to make use of my limited time.
You'll find I'm an apt and very motivated pupil, willing to work hard. If you are local to the San Francisco area, like to teach, and have experience with Python development, please drop me a line at mitch@osafoundation.org. Seriously.
UPDATE 7/19/03:
I've found someone who not only knows Python and wxWindows but is already getting up to speed on developing parcels for Chandler. We're going to give it a shot. Details to come in my blog. Thanks to all who have offered help.
Posted by mitch@osafoundation.org at July 07, 2003 12:23 PMMitch, I'm not in the SF area and neither is Mark Pilgrim, but he's written a very usable tutorial on Python for experienced programmers. Gets right to the meat without explaining all the OO/programming jargon we already know.
http://www.diveintopython.org/
Posted by: Jim Jarrett at July 7, 2003 06:11 AM
I'm learning Python and wxPython too for the first time, to develop an educational application. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions while you are learning it too. So far these have been the most helpful to me:
The book Python in a Nutshell is good and quick and most up to date:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0596001886
Beyond that, most Python tutorials and books cover no client-side GUI stuff at all, so the wxPython wiki and mailing list are your best sources:
http://wiki.wxpython.org/
http://aspn.activestate.com/ASPN/Mail/Browse/Threaded/wxPython-users
The source code in the demo folder included with wxPython is extremely helpful: http://cvs.osafoundation.org/index.cgi/osaf/chandler/wxpython/wxPython/demo/
Other good general Python tutorials:
http://www.python.org/doc/Newbies.html
http://www.ibiblio.org/obp/thinkCSpy/
Posted by: DougHolton at July 7, 2003 10:50 AM
I second the recommendation for "Dive In To Python". It's included with the ActiveState Python install, and can be read at your leisure, in the location of your choosing. (Planes, trains, etc.)
Posted by: dws at July 7, 2003 11:03 PM
While Dive Into Python is indeed an excellent introduction for experienced programmers, if you want a dead tree tutorial "Learning Python" from O'Reilly is absolutely superb. It's by far the best "Learning XXX" book I've read - it's not too long, maintains an excellent learning curve and teaches pretty much everything you need to know about the language. There's a new edition out in a month or so with coverage of the newer Python features, so it might be worth waiting for that. Of course, this doesn't help you at all with your search for a Python tutor; have you considered posting to comp.lang.python ?
Posted by: Simon Willison at July 8, 2003 05:23 PM
I also used Dive Into Python. Interesting note, Mark started writing Dive Into Python 4 days after learning Python. You should come to #joiito on freenode. Mark regularly holds court and helps us miserable script kiddies understand python. ;-)
See http://joi.ito.com/joiwiki/IrcChannel for in on how to get to channel. There are a lot of python programmers on the channel and we have a python bot that we are all working on together. http://joi.ito.com/joiwiki/JiBot
I hadn't programmed in over 15 years, but now I'm addicted. ;-)
Posted by: Joi Ito at July 12, 2003 11:55 PM
For anyone really good at teaching Python, I strongly suggest that this is a wonderful opportunity, regardless of the rates.
I'd think of it as one of these types of events:
http://www.dfj.com/files/TheBreakfastStory.html
http://www.startribune.com/stories/535/3984050.html
I only wish I was a good enough teacher to go for the position. :-)
Posted by: anonymous, please at July 14, 2003 10:48 AM
Given claims that I've read (and agree with) from the community about Python's shallow learning curve, I find this request quite interesting. Especially since it comes from a universally respected member of our industry.
I too am an old programmer but hopefully not too rusty since that is how i provide for my family :-). My job requires C++ and Java put when I want to remember that programming can be fun I fire up Python. The Python tutorial was gentle, the accompanying documentation more than sufficient.
The most important thing for me is the enjoyment that Python provides. It's the other road taken, and that is what makes all the difference.
Good Luck!
Posted by: Joe Cwikla at July 15, 2003 09:40 AM
i'd be willing to give it a shot. i have both Python and
teaching experience as well as being in the Bay Area.
more info available in my .sig below.
cheers!
-wesley
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Core Python Programming", Prentice Hall PTR, (c) 2001
http://starship.python.net/crew/wesc/cpp/
cyberweb.consulting :: cyberweb at rocketmail.com
http://roadkill.com/~wesc/cyberweb/
Posted by: Wesley Chun at July 19, 2003 11:40 AM