Moving to a better language...

[Phatfiddler]

Just got these babies in today, I can't wait to get started :) Poor VB.NET is no longer of use to me :D

http://etmasters.net/python.JPG

[dbbolton]

ehh, im glad the vb book is much thinner.

[thomasaaron]

I got Ubuntu for Dummies.
I was having a hard time with OO concepts, but that cleared it up for me.

So far, I've managed to write an email merge program that merges database info directly into my emails, customizes EVERY subject line with the contacts name, and sends emails out at pre-assigned intervals. It slips around spam filters pretty well and has really boosted the effectiveness of my email marketing.

That's more than I was able to do with Word and Outlook. And it's better than you can do with OOWriter and Evolution. (I love OO, but their email merge capabilities suck.)

Anyway, Python rocks.

Have fun with those books.

Best,
Tom

[Phatfiddler]

From what I have researched about the Python language, it is quite versatile and portable. I have managed to start on the "Learning Python" book, and I must say it has piqued my interest.

While I agree the VB book is thinner, you must understand that it is written in a 3 part series, so that is only the first book of 3. Also, portability was rather lacking, and the free version available from MS was severley cut down (couldnt even refactor unless you purchase the standard edition). You are left with but the basic of classes and functions unless you decide to spend the $200+ for the standard edition.

I for one would rather not spend money on a platform-dependant language, when I can have a platform-independant language for free. Just my "2 cents."

[chaosgeisterchen]

Just got these babies in today, I can't wait to get started :) Poor VB.NET is no longer of use to me :D

http://etmasters.net/python.JPG

Congratulations, I kinda envy you, I only got the 'pocket quick reference' for Python from O'Reilly. But I will purchase these books as well - Python is simply too interesting to be omitted.

[mikerduffy]

I just got Core Python Programming, and it's really interesting so far. If I can drag myself away from Haskell, I'd like to get started on a Python app.

[utabintarbo]

From what I have researched about the Python language, it is quite versatile and portable. I have managed to start on the "Learning Python" book, and I must say it has piqued my interest.

While I agree the VB book is thinner, you must understand that it is written in a 3 part series, so that is only the first book of 3. Also, portability was rather lacking, and the free version available from MS was severley cut down (couldnt even refactor unless you purchase the standard edition). You are left with but the basic of classes and functions unless you decide to spend the $200+ for the standard edition.

I for one would rather not spend money on a platform-dependant language, when I can have a platform-independant language for free. Just my "2 cents."

Python is teh ****! I've been using it at work here for a couple of yrs. Mostly little scripts. But I have many resources I have come across. Just a couple to get you started:
Python Tutorials, sorted by topic and category (http://www.awaretek.com/tutorials.html)
Python cookbook - code samples (http://aspn.activestate.com/ASPN/Cookbook/Python)

Have fun!