Version of python to learn, revisited.

Question

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To learn python 2 then 3, or 3 from the start?

I started learning python in 2.6 but didn't get as far as I would have liked before getting overloaded with projects at work. Now, I'd like to start fresh again, but should I go back to 2.6 or 3 now that it's been out for a little while.

I searched and found this question had been asked, answered and closed (here http://stackoverflow.com/questions/170921/to-learn-python-2-then-3-or-3-from-the-start) but most the comments were based on the fact that v3 was too new. If this question has been asked again recently, my apologies, I couldn't find it.

Thanks!

Answer 1

It depends on what you want to do. If you're interested in learning purely as an academic exercise, go with 3.

However, if you want to actually achieve things, you're much better off with 2.6 for the moment. Many of the big libraries - and no doubt the vast majority of the small ones - still haven't been ported over to 3 yet, so you may find yourself in the middle of a complex project on 3 only to find that the vital component you need is incompatible.

Answer 2

I asked the question of switching from 2.6 to 3.0 to the wise folks at the python list, and their answer was to wait for 3.1, where many optimizations missing in 3.0 will find their way into the release.

Release candidate 1 for 3.1 is out since late May, and release candidate 2 is due today. The final version is supposed to hit the streets on June 27th.

I am definitely going to switch to 3.x when the new version is out, although admittedly it will be only for fun and personal projects, since at work we are still stuck with 2.5 I think...