HELP How do I start Python?

[GaryTaig]

On 31/08/14 05:31, Johnny Rosenberg wrote:

> If you just want to run some Python commands you can just run Python from a
> terminal. Just type:
> python3


I did that, Johnny.  It was instinctive; the first thing that came to 
mind.  Problem was it gave me no joy because the results were:

....desktop:~$ python
Python 2.6.5 (r265:79063, Sep 26 2013, 18:51:09)
[GCC 4.4.3] on linux2
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
 >>>

....desktop:~$ python3.2
Python 3.2.4 (default, Apr 28 2013, 17:30:25)
[GCC 4.4.3] on linux2
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
 >>>

And all that was as clear as mud. Complete gobbledygook. It just added 
to the overall obscurity.


> Exit with Ctrl+d or type:
> exit()

I had typed "exit' and it taught me at least one memorable lesson :-)


> If you want to write a Python script, just use any text editor, gedit will
> be just fine in many cases.

Yes, I like it. gedit is quite handy for all text files.  When I'm 
looking at output from Wireshark It will load a 50 MB text file without 
missing a beat.

> If you want something more flashy, there are plenty if Python IDEs out
> there. I found this page, which might interest you:
> http://www.linuxcandy.com/2012/07/which-python-ide-is-best-choose-your-own.html

Nope! It's the underlying knowledge I want.  Ever since I decided to 
depart from anything MS related my computing experience has comprised 
essentially only email and web browsing.  Have occasionally looked at 
Linux code and whilst it contains all the same stuff, a Function is 
obviously still a Function and so forth; it's the fundamental 
differences, the starting point that hasn't rubbed off.

Have now found that starting point, thanks to this mailing list.

Greatly appreciate the response.
GaryT