On 19/12/14 02:09, Brandon Dorsey wrote:
simple fact that I've been learning python for 8 months, and I have yet to start, and finish, a simple project.
That's a pity because the detail involved in completing a project is often where you learn most. Maybe you should take time out from "learning" to concentrate on finishing one simple project. Make a start and when you get stuck, ask here.
I find difficult to not only visualize the execution, but to figure out when and where to use data structure 'x'.
The base data structures of list, tuple, set, dictionary all have fairly specific uses.
- Sets are collections of unique values - Lists are numerically indexed, mutable collections of values - Tuples are numerically indexed, immutable collections of values - Dictionaries are keyed, mutable collections of values. Often you can use any one of list, tuple or dictionary... Use a tuple if it won't be changing. Use a dictionary if you have a natural key value Otherwise use a list Classes are a special case and are best discussed separately if that's where you are struggling. You don't need classes for most simple projects.
Any suggestions on how to approach programming from a different angle?
You could try designing the program before you start. Often jumping into code too soon leads to confusion. Do you have any method of structuring your code before you start? (For example using
pdeudo-code or flow charts?) For a completely different approach to designing code (using Scheme but applicable to Python too) take a look at the web site/ebook "How to Design Programs" http://www.htdp.org/ This is particularly helpful if your problems tend to be algorithmic in nature rather than data store focused. HTH -- Alan G Author of the Learn to Program web site http://www.alan-g.me.uk/ http://www.amazon.com/author/alan_gauld Follow my photo-blog on Flickr at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alangauldphotos _______________________________________________ Tutor maillist - Tutor@python.org To unsubscribe or change subscription options: https://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/tutor