(An Unofficial) Python Tutorial Wiki

putting the community back in "maintained by the community"

46xd

There are now two sections 'Interactive mode'. I'd say make that one, and insert the first part of the next chapter there. Let them play with the calculator first, then explain that you can save a file and run that.

Maybe that would make this chapter 'Your first interactive session', and then explain the files, how to run them, and possibly the encoding. I've never used the encoding, is it really useful for the tutorial?

Comments

"I've never used the encoding, is it really useful for the tutorial?"

Since Python 2.5 treats non-ASCII characters as a fatal error if there's no coding directive, it's pretty much required reading for anyone who wants to write anything but english.

I agree with the rest of your comments, though.

You are right, it is important to note that encodings are an issue. Still, the Source Code Encoding section feel completely out of place here.

How about having only a short comment on encodings being an issue in this chapter, with a link to the full encoding explaination (which will reside elsewhere)?

This way most readers (who will use plain english) will be warned not to use other encodings, and those interested can go read more.