RPGDX > Forums > Off Topic > HOW is python different from gwbasic or qbasic?!

js71 · Wandering DJ Joined: 22 Nov 2002 Posts: 815

I just downloaded python... I sure didn't expect it to be a GWbasic clone, that's for sure... The thing is, HOW would I be better off learning python as opposed to say... QB? I skimmed through a tutorial and most of the commands are the same as qb's! So can someone tell me how python is different from qbasic? I just don't get it...

Rainer Deyke · Demon Hunter Joined: 05 Jun 2002 Posts: 672

Consistency
Dynamic typing
Sequence slicing operators
Objects/classes
Operator overloading
Separate namespaces for separate modules
Everything is an object, including functions, classes, and modules.
Lambda expressions
Nested scoping of variables (including functions, classes, etc.)
Built-in dictionary type
Exceptions
Iterators
Generators
Text formatting operator
List comprehensions
In-place dictionary/list/tuple definitions
...

LeoDraco · Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2003 3:06 am Post subject:

Not to mention that Python's syntax is different from BASIC syntax.
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"...LeoDraco is a pompus git..." -- Mandrake

js71 · Wandering DJ Joined: 22 Nov 2002 Posts: 815

arg... but the interpreter is soo... gah... awkward... Like GWbaisc... and can it compile your programs to exe?

LeoDraco · Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2003 3:39 am Post subject:

You don't have to use the interpretor. You can write python source in separate files (usually with a .py extension), make the files executable, and put, as the first line, a shebang followed by the local path to your python executable.
_________________
"...LeoDraco is a pompus git..." -- Mandrake

js71 · Wandering DJ Joined: 22 Nov 2002 Posts: 815

I wanna learn C++... :(

LeoDraco · Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2003 4:32 am Post subject:

Python might be easier to pick up prior to learning c++. I myself learned Python after I learned c++, but I hear from some people that Python is simpler than the alternative. Especially as you don't have to worry so much about garbage collection, pointers, and stuff like that.

That said, picking up a new language isn't terribly difficult: as long as you know how to solve problems, and know algorithmic ways to go about solving problems, learning a lanuage is simply a process of picking up syntax and idomatic usage. Most of that can be done in a few days -- I learned Python in two days.
_________________
"...LeoDraco is a pompus git..." -- Mandrake

js71 · Wandering DJ Joined: 22 Nov 2002 Posts: 815

but python is very similar to qb, is it not? Is it possible to code an rpg in python?

Rainer Deyke · Demon Hunter Joined: 05 Jun 2002 Posts: 672

LeoDraco · Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2003 5:33 am Post subject:

Ninkazu · Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2003 2:04 pm Post subject:

PoV · Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2003 10:25 pm Post subject:

A good friend of mine has done quite well for himself with the whole Python thang. Since switching from the C/C++ thang to Python, he's released some add ons for it, released a shareware game that was a finalist in the 2003 Independant Games Festival (though sadly didn't get a piece of the $20,000), and just recently landed a job at G00GLE. Now you gotta respect a company that has their own chef ;). You can check it out his game here:

http://www.alitius.com/

Fun stuff.

Ninkazu · Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2003 12:12 am Post subject:

PoV · Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2003 1:47 am Post subject:

I used Zero's instead of O's.

0O0O0O0O0O0O0

Aparently I'm the only person who pays attention to fonts. ;) ;).

Ninkazu · Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2003 4:20 am Post subject:

I understand the 0O thing, but why do that? (if you say "so it can't pick it up" TELL ME WHY!)

grrr, I don't like you people who do this:
"Hey, can I have a napkin?"
"Yes"
"....um... you gonna give it to me?"
"Eventually."
"Just gimme the fuckin napkin, cock sucker"
"Now that, I can do"

The bastards...