On Thu, Oct 26, 2017 at 3:22 PM, Bob Cagle <bcagle@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
My concerns with using Python are:
#1 - Time constraints: I know nothing about Python - what's the learning curve? I don't have a lot of time to get this project done.
That's a very reasonable concern. Learning something new always takes
some time, no matter how easy. So it's definitely a risk when under
time pressure.
I found Python very easy to learn, the easiest language I have learned
by far. (Granted, I learned it after already having learned other
languages.) It does have a reputation for being both easy to learn and
easy to use. It's a very "scalable" language for learning in that you
can get going with basics in minutes or hours, and then you can keep
learning more-or-less as much as you want. The very advanced stuff in
the language is mind-bending, and most people stop well before that
point.
The standard tutorial at python.org is as good a place to start as
any, and you can play around with it at your own pace on your own PC
or Mac or Linux box at home; no need for a connection to an IBM i.
Even if you don't use it for this project, it's well worth learning,
as Python is a great language for practically anything, and you *will*
find uses for it.
#2 - It's not currently installed on my system and I don't know what it would take to get it installed. I'm on 7.1 TR10.
The quickest and simplest way to get it on the i, hands-down, is
iSeriesPython. Not from IBM. No PTFs. Just download and restore. The
instructions are very simple and clear, and the whole process can be
done in well under half an hour. Probably less than 15 minutes.
https://sourceforge.net/projects/iseriespython/files/Compiled/2.7/revE/
If you've never used Python before, you will probably want to follow
along with the tutorial on your own computer first. Just be sure that
if you do want to use iSeriesPython on the i, you should be learning
Python 2.7. If you will be using a Python from IBM, you have your
choice of 2.7 or 3.4, which are different enough from each other that
I really recommend picking one to start with and sticking with it
until you feel solid. Either one is fine, and once you are solid with
one, you can adjust to the other relatively easily. (By solid, I mean
the point at which you feel fluent, and don't have any fears about the
language. You don't have to be a master, just comfortable.)
Other than the official tutorial, the most common beginner resource is
probably Dive Into Python:
[Python 2]
http://www.diveintopython.net/
[Python 3]
http://www.diveintopython3.net/
And I'm always happy to help.
John Y.
midrange.com
