4 ms·

The restrictions on proposed exercises seem a bit extreme: http://learnpythonthehardway.com/wiki?name=Proposed+Exercises http://learnpythonthehardway.com/wiki?

• zedshaw 17y ago
  Well, they can't quite code Python when they're done with this book. They could then move onto a book that teaches those concepts. And if you think about it, there's no point in learning OOP before you've even learned basic logic, functions, and I/O. That's what I learned first (because there was no OOP when I was learning). Finally, your professor and you are not who this book is meant for. The simple fact you think discrete math is alright for anyone but a CS major is proof of that. Not to be mean, but it is.
  • j_baker 17y ago
    "The simple fact you think discrete math is alright for anyone but a CS major is proof of that." Fair enough, but that doesn't make me wrong. There is a valid case to be made for teaching discrete math to people who aren't CS majors or even in college: http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/Resources/articles.php?page=discretemath http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/Resources/articles.php?pa... In particular, the argument that discrete math is fun is the most compelling. Be honest, what did you enjoy the most: algebra, calculus, or discrete math? I'd argue that if you say algebra or calculus that you're the abnormal one. :-)
    • zedshaw 17y ago
      Calculus by far. I read this "Calculus Made Easy" by Silvanus P. Thompson and it's still to this day my inspiration for explaining complex technical topics to lay people. It's a fantastic book, and even if you know math you must read it if you want to understand how to teach complexity to others.
      • j_baker 17y ago
        I'll check the book out, but I still say you're a freak. :-)