I picked up Head First Python from the library the other day. Chapter 1 the author opens with something to the effect of, “We expect you’ve already programmed at some point.” Ah, no. That’s why I got the book. 

So it was promptly returned to the library :(. 

A couple weeks ago I started CodeAcademy’s beginners python course. That was definitely more my speed. Even though I attended a Django Girls conference a few years ago, I don’t remember jack about python. Starting at the very beginning was a good reintroduction to coding concepts. 

I personally like Code Academy. The tutorial, plus the exercises in a real text editor makes learning python more natural. It’s also broken down into very reasonable chunks of information. I can do an exercise within 5 minutes or so before moving on to the next one in the lesson. Right now I am about 25% of the way through :). 

The only thing I will say is the lessons include formulaic, specific exercise. Coding is so much like a spoken language. Just as their are multiple ways to say something, there are multiple ways to code something. I’m hoping the exercises will eventually include meaningful tips about pitfalls and what the easiest way to “say” a code. Updates to come!