Advice for C# programmer writing Python [closed]

Answer 1

If you are someone who is better learning a new language by taking small incremental steps then I would recommend using IronPython. Otherwise use regular CPython and don't do any more C# coding until you feel like you have a grasp of Python.

Answer 2

Start by reading The Zen of Python

You can read it at the link above, or just type import this at the Python prompt. =)

Take advantage of Python features not offered* by C#

Such as duck-typing, metaclasses, list comprehension, etc.*

Write simple programs just to test these features. You'll get used (if not addicted) to them in no time.

Look at the Python Standard Library

So you don't reinvent the wheel. Don't try to read the whole thing, even a quick look at the TOC could save you a lot of time.

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* I know C# already has some of these features, but from what I can see they're either pretty new or not commonly used by C# developers. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Answer 3

I would suggest getting a good editor so that you don't get bitten by whitespace. For simplicity, I just use ActivePython's packages Link, which include an editor and all of the win32api libraries. They are pretty fun to get into if you have been using C#. The win32api in Python can be a little bit simpler. You don't need to do the whole DDLImport thing. Download ActivePython (which comes with CPython), open it up, and start entering some stuff at the console. You will pick it up fairly easy after using C#. For some more interesting Python tidbits, try ActiveState code, which has all sorts of recipes, which can allow you to very simply see different things that you can do with Python.

Answer 4

• Refrain from using classes. Use dictionaries, sets, list and tuples.
• Setters and getters are forbidden.
• Don't have exception handlers unless you really need to - let it crash in style.
• Pylint can be your friend for more pythonish coding style.
• When you're ready - check out list comprehensions, generators and lambda functions.

Answer 5

And then something you can benefit from:

IPython shell: Auto completion in the shell. It does batch operations, adds a ton of features, logging and such. >>> Play with the shell - always!

easy_install / pip: So nice and an easy way to install a 3rd party Python application.

Answer 6

In case you haven't heard about it yet, Dive Into Python is a great place to start for anyone learning Python. It also has a bunch of Tips & Tricks.