RE: [TCLUG:21269] Beginning - Language Perl or Python?

["Boleman, Jeff" <jeff.boleman@andersencorp.com>]

This is the way I did it and it felt like a natural progression for me. I
recommend:

1. C, C++, or Java
2. ksh
3. Perl

Here's why:

When I went through Computer Science, they started out with Pascal and
callled it the top down approach. Then they would mix in Fortran, C and
others. Then the CS dept started CS freshman with C. Now I think more are
starting out with Java. I would recommend starting out with either C, C++,
or Java. These are apparently the some of the better learning languages.

Then I would look at ksh scripting. It is easy enough and will teach you
some basic scripting fundamentals. Learning this will be pretty easy. Then
try to get a little deeper into sed and awk.

Then I would learn Perl. It uses some of the same fundamentals and similar
syntax. It does some things you wish you could do in the other two
languages. It might make you never want to use ksh again, but that is a base
of knowledge and background. It is also where many Perl scripters come from.

There are tons of good books on C, C++, and Java. Nothing stands out in my
mind except for the ANSI C book.

For Korn Shell, I would recommend getting O'Reilly book, "Learning the Korn
Shell".

For Perl, I would recommend first buying "Learning Perl". After you have
some of the fundamentals mastered get the O'Reilly book "Programming Perl".
Then for more hints types, tricks, and problem solving get the O'Reilly book
"Perl Cookbook".

I don't have much experience with Python, so I don't know what to tell you
about that.

Jeff

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ryan Ware [mailto:RWare@INTERPLASTIC.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2000 10:40 AM
> To: 'tclug-list@mn-linux.org'
> Subject: [TCLUG:21269] Beginning - Language Perl or Python?
> 
> 
> Hello all, I am starting to teach myself to program using a scripting
> language.  I've heard that both Perl and Python are powerful 
> and fairly easy
> to use.  
> 
> Are there any inherent advantages to one or the other for the 
> beginning
> programmer?  By beginning I mean no other programming 
> experience other that
> a little basic a long time ago. (That should probably be a 
> long long time
> ago, as in the beginning of Star Wars).
> 
> I am interested in eventually learning one or both and would 
> like to hear of
> any personal experience with either on, or where you think it 
> shines or
> doesn't.
> 
> Thanks
> 
> |Ryan Ware                 |
> |Interplastic Corporation  |
> |651-766-3820              |
> 
> 
> 
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