How to Learn Python Programming

Can you tell me how to learn Python programming?

I would start with a few beginners books on Python programming. Dummies, idiots -

I'm not stupid.

I'm not saying you are stupid. I am referring to the programming for idiots and dummies books series.

OK, that makes me feel a little better.

You could start by looking at sample code.

It is not as simple as trying to decipher the Java errors I get on a page or downloading JavaScript on an interactive website.

Python is known for its readability, but it is harder to get code samples from the websites you visit. However, you can read code samples at Python.org.

I thought everything was a dot com.

Python.org is the website of the Python language. While it mostly offers the various versions of Python, it has code samples, tutorials, references, best coding practices, etc.

Do they have good tutorials?

Sure, but there good ones at LearnPython.org. They even have free windows where you can do basic practice lessons and verify the output.

That's kind of like an IDE.

If you have a Linux system, it comes with Python on it. It even has the command line Python application on it.

I'd rather have the interactive interface.

So install another Python IDE. Or get Ubuntu, which has the IDLE IDE on it.

Any other tips?

Read the stackoverflow site questions before you ask your own.

Which books would you recommend?

You could try Dive Into Python; it is available for free but may be too advanced for you. Or read the Code Like a Pythonista or any other content on Python.net for a good introduction.

As long as they are not peddling snake oil.

No, mostly books or seminars or newsletters you'd pay for. And Python is not named for a snake, but actually named after Monty Python.