Hello List Members,
We had our first meeting on Out-of-sight.net tonight, so I am
reposting this Getting Started email sent by richard Dinger for the
new members. It may seem like a lot to do just to get going, but if
you take it step-by-step, it really isn’t too bad.
JDog
***richard’s message:
For those new to programming and maybe even some just new to Python, I
found an on-line tutorial for beginners on programming using Python
that might help. If you want to go through the tutorial, you will
need to set up your computer first as described below.
Part 1: Getting set up
Before you look at the tutorial, you will need a few things. You need
python itself, a text editor program and a folder to work in. The
following steps cover how to get set up on windows. Note there are
many ways to get set up, this is just a quick setup for beginners that
can be revised later.
1 Download the latest version of python 2.7x (about 15 meg) from
www.python.org/download <http://www.python.org/download>
the filename will be something like python-2.7.6.msi
2 install python by executing the msi file. Note where you install it
on your computer for example at c:\python27.
3 You will need a text editor program and know how to use it. MS
Notepad comes with windows and is workable for the tutorial. Other
editors will be discussed on the list.
4 Create a new folder for trying examples in the tutorial, I will call
it tutor.
5 in your tutor folder put the following dos file named 'shell.bat'
you can edit the file with Notepad. Note lines beginning with rem are
comments and may be omitted.
rem begin shell.bat
rem replace c:\python27 with where you installed python
set path=%path%;c:\python27
rem change prompt to just the drive letter (optional):
prompt $N$G
cmd.exe
rem end shell.bat
Part 2: How to use your set up to write and run python scripts.
1 Navigate to your tutor folder.
2 Open your text editor and enter the following one line script, which
simply writes to the screen:
print 'Hello, world'
3 Save the file as 'hello.py'
4 Start your shell.bat file by hitting enter on it. Shell will prompt
you with something like:
C:>
5 Type the name of your python script 'hello.py' and enter.
6 You should get:
Hello, world
c:>
or an error message if there is a problem
7 When done for the day, you can close the shell command shell by
enteering 'exit' after the prompt. The shell also has minor editing
for example an up arrow will scroll up through previous commands
andyou can edit through arrow keys, new text and delete.
You can also run your script by simply double clicking or hitting
enter on the filename in windows explorer, but when it runs windows
will create a new window, run it and close the window. That all
happens so fast you will miss it and any error messages.
Part 3: Take a look at the tutorial.
hetland.org/writing/instant-hacking.html
Richard
*From:*Charles Rivard <mailto:wee1sman@xxxxxxxxxx>
*Sent:*Saturday, April 19, 2014 9:35 AM
*To:*learning python list <mailto:pythonvis@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
*Subject:*[pythonvis] something to remember
For those who have had experience with Python and other programming,
try to keep in mind that what's been sent to the list is foreign to
those who haven't. Thanks.
---
Be positive! When it comes to being defeated, if you think you're
finished, you! really! are! finished!
