Learn Python the Right Way
Learning and science
programming book
SHOW HN2021
Learn Python the Right Way
Learn Python the Right Way – free introduction to Python book
learnpythontherightway.com#learn python#python tutorial#python book#free python course
How HN took it
4 positive, 5 neutral or asking, 0 mixed, 13 critical, out of 22 comments about the project. Thread score -0.27.
Idea: 1 for, 6 againstExecution: 1 for, 3 againstDocs: 0 for, 2 againstPrivacy: 0 for, 1 againstDesign: 0 for, 1 against
The thread, comment by comment
Each row is a top-level comment and its replies, in HN's order. Select a cell to open that comment on HN.
positive neutral or mixed critical about another commenter or something else the maker
What HN said
What people liked
Free download without requiring email signup
From 1 comment
No comment on the content yet, but its refreshing to click 'Download' and actually be given the book, rather than begged for my email.
Freeboots on HN
Browser-based Repl.it works on tablets and Chromebooks
From 2 comments
One other point of praise for this approach: being able to run in a web browser via Repl.it is a huge win given the combination of the rise of tablets, as well as the popularity…
swagtricker on HNMy compromise (I teach hundreds Python in live classes each year) is to use IDLE for my Python fundamentals course. It is not the best environment, but it (generally ) works in…
__mharrison__ on HN
Objections
Relying on Repl.it means students don't learn real local setup
From 3 comments
> Use the online IDE Replit instead of showing students how to set up Python Not sure why, but this feels very backwards to me. I mean, I get it. E.g. Overleaf is a much gentler…
tpoacher on HNI was super enthusiastic about this until I saw that you're doing it all in Repl. Love it or lump it, you're not going to be writing or deploying any practical Python scripts on…
smoldesu on HNIf student A spends 1 hour installing Python (with questionable success rate) & setting up an environment (with even more questionable success rate), and student B spends 1 hour…
RheingoldRiver on HN
Setup is a needed learning step, not something to skip
From 2 comments
> If student A spends 1 hour installing Python (with questionable success rate) & setting up an environment (with even more questionable success rate), [...] I hear this a lot,…
qayxc on HNThis post is a lot of fearmongering, and I don't really understand where it's coming from. Yes, installing Python is marginally harder than installing, say, Discord or Steam. Why…
smoldesu on HN
Email-free download still has privacy concerns for some
From 1 comment
As someone said on the earlier thread: "I'd be happy to pay for it, I just don't want to give my email".
macintux on HN
Requests
Add a chapter on setting up the environment
From 2 comments
This seems great but I find that one of the hardest things for a beginner is setting up the environment. A chapter on that would be nice for a beginner. Edit: I guess this would…
TheHypnotist on HNIt seems like understanding how to setup the environment is a key to really understanding Python.
rednerrus on HN
Provide EPUB version
From 1 comment
Thanks for the large amount of effort you've put in to this; it really shows! I'm really looking forward to digging in to this, but I just wanted to ask: will there be an option…
usrme on HN
Questions
Does the book fit Vim users and turtle graphics in Repl.it?
From 2 comments
I would be wary of promoting Repl.it if you're going to include Vim users. Vim keybindings exist in per-project Settings but don't work. Otherwise, great free books.
cutler on HNThis is a great idea, but does need some more hand-holding and fine points. For example, chapter 3 goes into turtle graphics. Great. However, the book doesn't tell students they…
swagtricker on HN
Alternatives named
Swaroop's Python guide
From 1 comment
Perhaps a bit rude but one of the best guides I've seen as an introduction to Python: https://python.swaroopch.com/ Since I lost my link to this I actually stumbled upon this as…
hardwaresofton on HN
FreeCodeCamp
From 1 comment
If student A spends 1 hour installing Python (with questionable success rate) & setting up an environment (with even more questionable success rate), and student B spends 1 hour…
RheingoldRiver on HN
Original How to Think Like a Computer Scientist book
From 1 comment
Thanks for catching that! There were some manual steps to convert it from RST to MD and we are still doing a run through to fix everything up (and to make things consistently use…
sixhobbits on HN