(practical-python->racket introduction)

Recently, renowned Python expert David Beazley generously open-sourced his Practical Python Programming course. My Python skills are steadily improving through consistent use and watching talks and tutorials on YouTube. I've learnt a lot from David's talks and tutorials.

Sometimes I feel that my understanding of languages can be more theoretical than practical. I spent too much time learning and not enough time applying my knowledge. Practical Python Programming sounded exactly what I needed. I set out dutifully entering the examples into Python and doing the exercises. It was helpful. I even learnt that the Chicago Transit Authority #22 bus doesn't run at night.

What is Practical Programming though? Well to me, it's writing programs, short or long, to get things done quickly and efficiently. Effectively, it's turning a computer into a personal productivity tool. My current practical programming project helps me analyse companies. It is putting knowledge to use. 

I was mid-way through Chapter 1 of Practical Python Programming when a sudden thought broke my concentration. "This is just the type of material that would help me move forward with Racket. Hmmm, perhaps I should try coding the examples and exercises in Racket?"

So I tried out the introduction to Lists. I found I was able to "translate" the examples to Racket with some difficulty and quite a bit of "Doc Diving". During the process I expanded my knowledge of Racket and reinforced what I already knew. It seemed like a good idea to continue and get as far through the course as I could. I'll try to write about my experience in doing so in this blog as it helps me to remember what I've learnt.

I contacted David Beazley and he was happy for me to blog about my efforts to "translate" his Python to Racket. Though this is not in anyway his endorsement of the contents.

Another word of warning, this is very much a pseudo-mechanical translation. It's turning idiomatic Python into Racket. The code will certainly not be idiomatic Racket code. It could well turn out to be idiotic Racket code. Let's see.

You can read about my approach or go straight to the first section.