Trying to Learn Python and Argparse

Coding
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Hey there. Don’t know if you guys can help, but figured I’d give it a go.

So, a few friends and I have been working on the concept of an ARG (Alternate Reality Game) for some time now. It revolves around different aspects like programming, mathematics, etc. One of the aspects of the game is that players will be able to use a “command prompt” type interface to receive clues. Being that none of us know really anything about programming, I somehow got stuck with the duties. I’d like to find someone to do this part for us, however I figured it would also just be a good idea to learn it myself.

Basically, I’ve been told Python was the easiest to use, so I’ve been trying to wrap my head around it and also came across argparse and how parsing is used in Text Based Adventure Games, so I figured this language would be my best bet. However, I’m having a real hard time understanding it off of The Python Tutorial — Python 3.12.6 documentation. I was hoping I could get some help from you guys.

What I need is the ability for the program to say certain things such as a welcome message and info on how to use it, how to be able for players to input commands either with a ‘/’ or ‘-’ input, be able to list info when a player for instance types “/help” and an ability to have players do a “fake login” when given a password that they can enter with a “/login” command that will give them additional info.

Any help appreciated. Also, if you’d like to help out on the project we could always use another person on the team, especially someone who knows programming and can help with the story and also the executable program listed above. I’ll keep tabs on the thread here, but if you want to contact me if you’re interested in the ARG and want to take part feel free to contact me at email (ecerta@gmail.com) or AIM (stopxeject). I’ll be more than happy to tell you the full details and the story of the game.

Thanks.

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There are lots of resources about learning python available. I usually prefer starting with a book- the organization of knowledge is better than online tutorials, especially if this is your first foray into programming.

Once you have a good idea of how python works, it doesn’t sound like it’d be a difficult thing to create on a small scale. Learning a new language, or a new concept, is the most frustrating part, because you feel helpless. Keep going, work through it, and you’ll come out the other side. There’s no much people can do for you, you already know what tool to use (python) and have something you’re passionate about doing (the game).

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python for rookies is a great book if you’re new to programming. you can check out some chapters using google books

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I started out by reading Core Python Programming by Chun. Excellent book, I really learnt a lot from it and fell in love with python at the same time.

That reminds me I really should finish that book, currently reading 3 python books at same time, not the smartest idea lol.

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“Learning Python” by Oreilly books is great for beginners. Followed up by “The Python Cookbook”

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this dude is pretty cool for the basics in python http://www.youtube.com/user/thenewboston

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I thought this was a pretty good basic intro.

And the profs website is fun to work through:

http://codingbat.com/python

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And the profs website is fun to work through:

CodingBat Python

That’s sweet