Reddit reviews Head First Python: A Brain-Friendly Guide

I learned Python at CodeAcademy:
https://www.codecademy.com/learn/python

These books are generally good, but I cannot comment on quality of this one:
Head First - Python by Paul Barry
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Head-First-Python-Paul-Barry-y/dp/1449382673/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451758567&sr=8-1&keywords=head+first+python

You better head to /r/LearnPython and /r/Python though :)

I agree, I think software development skills are going to only further bleed into other stem disciplines in the future. Plus it can be a back up skill if traditional engineering ever gets tiring. That way you're not tied to only one employment source.

I'd also steer away from VBA or .NET and get better at python (for the data analytics in research) and learn C (for potential robotics applications). I normally wouldn't recommend C as a first language since it doesn't do as much for you as other languages, but this FREE edx Course does such a great job of teaching it interactively that I think it's worth it in your case: https://courses.edx.org/courses/course-v1:Dartmouth_IMTx+DART.IMT.C.01+1T2018/course/. I like this course because they have a in built C compiler and a visualizer that shows you what each command you type would do to the program.

CS definitely bleeds over into some disciplines. Especially since you have an interest in research and robotics. I think a combination of ME + a CS minor can get you a foot into some research and/or robotics internships.

As for books, I think a combination of Think like a Programmer and Head First C and Head Start Python would be great "beginner books"


Then if you find out you really like programming you can get into best practices and how to build bigger complex programs with a book like Code Complete.

But before all of that just get the basics with python, then move to C if you ever decide to move into robotics.

Head First Python might be a good fit for you. The Head First programming books are supposedly geared towards using different ways of thinking, engaging "right-brained" people more than your standard book.
I can't personally endorse it, though, because my favorite programming book is "The C Programming Language."

I started at 23, and I can tell you that people who start out younger are usually considerably sloppier and much more clueless about what their code is doing than people who start older.

This started me:

http://www.amazon.com/Head-First-C-Andrew-Stellman/dp/0596514824

http://www.amazon.com/Head-First-Python-Paul-Barry/dp/1449382673

I had to learn for a class not but 4 months ago. Here are a few resources that helped me along the way.


Dive into Python is a free book, available in HTML and pdf formats. It can be found here: http://diveintopython.org/

If you don't mind spending some money, Head First Python is a new book in the Head First line, one of my personal favorites for learning a new language. Since it's new, I haven't been able to look at this one in particular, but if it's like their old stuff, it should be great: http://www.amazon.com/Head-First-Python-Paul-Barry/dp/1449382673/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1293597744&sr=8-1


For everything else, google is your friend.

The Head First series is amazing! The books use pictures, jokes, and short snippets of code to deep important concepts. Great read.

https://www.amazon.com/Head-First-Python-Brain-Friendly-Guide/dp/1449382673

For python, I used Head First Python:
http://www.amazon.com/Head-First-Python-Paul-Barry/dp/1449382673

and I also did a lot of lessons on Code Academy:
http://www.codecademy.com/tracks/python

Seems like the Head First Python book is designed for you. I've been reading it and I could see how it would benefit you. Check it out!

http://www.amazon.com/Head-First-Python-Paul-Barry/dp/1449382673/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1303646786&sr=8-1

Head First Python
Personally I found this book very easy. It has pictures and Stuff and does not make things boring like the other books. It helps non-programmers ease into programming. I should because i started from this when i was 17 :)

Based on my previous experience with Head First books, I'd recommend Head First Python. Out of the three reviews on the main page on Amazon, the bad review is complaining about it not being "deep enough" for an experienced programmer. I have to say, the Head first series is kind of fun. (Geeky jokes, cool exercises, etc).

Python Programming for the Absolute Beginner, 3rd Edition seems to have decent reviews too.

Dive Into Python if I remember correctly assumes a little bit of experience from the reader. But it's a very good book.

I know that you are looking for something structured to pass on... but don't forget that the best thing you can "teach" is how to look things up.

Also, OCW (MIT) has a class on iTunes/YouTube on programming concepts with python. Definitely worth the time investment.