Tools of the Trade

Excuse the length between posts, but the combination of an ensuing product release has put a damper on the amount of free time I have had.  Good news, I have wrote my first Python program!  It's just a one line Hello World program, but hey it's something!

Before I get into all that though, I wanted to let people know about the tools that I am using to aid me in my journey through Python.  For my computer, I am using my new MacBook, which thus far has been outstanding.  One quick note I will make about my Mac is that like most newer Macs, it already came with Python installed on it.  For this reason, I will initially not be posting about how to install Python because to be honest, I didn't have to do it so I really never learned.  

For my editor (i.e. the thingy I wrote Python code in) I am using TextMate.  It's fun, easy, and what I use on a daily basis at work.  It also has these nifty "Bundles" that contain shortcuts that can save the savvy users a lot of time with the more monotonous parts of writing code (or so I am told).  

Finally comes the tutorial.  Expect this to change often as I out grow the basic tutorials and find cool new stuff to work through.  Rest assured, I will always make it clear when I change tutorials and provide a link to the current one I am using.  For now, I will be using The Non-Programmers Tutorial for Python.  I think the name says it all, and from what I have gone through thus far, it appears to be a pretty easy and reliable tutorial.

That wraps up my summary of the tools I am using.  I will try to write most of my posts in a style that can be applicable to you no matter what tools and resources you are using.  However, in the event I fail to deliver clarity, please feel free to ask me a question.  

P.S.  Enough with the Jibber Jabber, real Python code will be present in my next post!