Where to start, Perl or Python

Hey all,
I would like to get into learning one of those programming languages above. Last time i did any programming was way back when i was in college and haven't worked on anything programming related since. I'm familiar with C/C++ and some Java. So having some exposure to those languages what would be easier to learn, Perl or Python? I see a lot of job postings or at least the one that interest me that you require to have some basic knowledge of either Perl or Puthon. What would be easier to start with?
Thanks!

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Comments

the_Grinch

You couldn't lose by going with one or the other. But I'd say start with Python.

MSP-IT

For the love of all that is holy, start with Python. You won't regret it.

varelg

You mentioned java and yet you are in a dilemma? Python, go for it...

Cyberscum

I say PYT

JoJoCal19

Python for sure.

TheFORCE

Great! Thanks for the feedback, i'll start with Python then. Any good beginners book to look for?

stryder144

I just picked up Learn Python the Hard Way. I've only gotten a exercise or two in, so not very knowledgeable yet, but I feel like I'm learning.

CCIE Wanna Be

Well, the guy who invented Python works @ Google, so I would start there. They have a free intro class with videos, labs, etc. Even though the creator isn't teaching the class, the instructor is pretty good.

Google's Intro to Python Class

fuz1on

100% Python

https://docs.python.org/2/tutorial/

Python Overview Tutorial

A Beginner's Python Tutorial - Wikibooks, open books for an open world

stryder144

I second the Google Python course, plus, they have a C++ course.

philz1982

Go with Py

hiddenknight821

So there you have it. *in Family Feud host voice* Python's the number one answer!

I'm taking this Introduction to CS course using Python on Edx. It's interesting to learn it from a CS perspective.

lsud00d

hiddenknight821 wrote: »

So there you have it. *in Family Feud host voice* Python's the number one answer!

lol!

I've run through Learn Python the hard way a couple times but I keep trailing off towards the end so I haven't committed much to memory, however it is a very good course and I back up @stryder144 on his suggestion.

brownwrap

The place I work in primarily uses Python. Some of the old schoolers use PERL. I work at JPL for years and PERL was developed by someone there. Anyway, as I have post before, we use ROCKS here, all of its custom scripts are Python. All of the up and coming developers here are always asking me to install this Python module, or that one. Most of the modules I install are based on some other module(s) that is already installed. I have tried to steer people here towards Anaconda Python, since it meets our needs. Here is the ROCKS page:

https://wiki.rocksclusters.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

brownwrap

Right now the choices are three flavors of Python, I am pushing Anaconda:

https://store.continuum.io/cshop/anaconda/

Enthought Python:

https://www.enthought.com/

And ActivePython:

ActivePython is Python for Windows, Mac, Linux, AIX, HP-UX & Solaris | ActiveState

We currently use Active, but as many modules as we have to install, Anaconda come with the mosts. Also for us, it must be easy to install additional modules, all of these come with easy to use software to add additional modules, though for the most part, I have built them.

MrAgent

I am surprised no one has mentioned code academy for their python course, which is free.
Python | Codecademy

Pupil

Perl is virtually dead. Python is the future.

DoubleNNs

I blitzed thru half of codeacademy's Python class a few months ago. I don't think it teaches you programming, or even the language, very well. It IS great for getting syntax down and repetitive practicing. However, you won't really understand too much about what you're typing or why.

Codeacademy might be a good start, especially if you have previous CS experience. However, you'd probably need some more advanced resources after you finish w/ Code academy.

joemc3

What about Ruby?

ally_uk

How do you learn Python for System administration purposes i.e as a replacement for Bash scripting or powershell?

Any guides or tutorials?

lsud00d

@ally_uk I think the easiest way to transition from a shell language to a programming language is to learn how to do the same tasks in one and then the other.

Of course you have to start with learning the language syntax (sentence structure, "parts of speech", etc) but I find if you know how to do something in bash or powershell, then learning the equivalent in python makes more sense for grasping the language quicker.

For a quick example, the same way you load a module in powershell, you import a module in python.