GONNA LEARN ME SOME COMPUTERS

Sup /prog/.

DUAL TOPIC:

I'm tryin' to design a roguelike and decided I'd make the attempt in Python since I have next to no programming experience and a high level language seemed like a good place to start.

1) Am I correct in this assumption, or should I just suck it up and learn C/C++/Haskell/something faster yet much more difficult to learn than Python?

2) I can't do shit until I at least understand the language, so suggest little things for me to program so I can figure out what the hell is going on, oh god how did this get here I am not good with computer

>>1
1. More or less correct. Python is a much better choice than C (which does have its uses), C++, or some of the other languages RL devs like to use (Java and, inexplicably, Delphi). Haskell ain't bad, but I have no idea whether it would be hard as a first language. At least you wouldn't have any Ctardation to unlearn.

2. RLs scale pretty well. You can start by either implementing the drawing of a hard-coded map, then add a moving @, or vice versa. Then some simple enemies, and it can snowball from there. Seems to me that there are enough easy mode tasks in a RL that you'll be able to make a bit of headway and get your bearings. And don't worry too much about making it well-written. Don't get sloppy but:
The management question, therefore, is not whether to build a pilot system and throw it away. You will do that. [...] Hence plan to throw one away; you will, anyhow.

>>7
(0) This is actually good advice. However SICP is a big book, so read it concurrently with your project or you'll forget to do the RL by the time you're done. (1) Too bad there's no introductory material for Factor or I would recommend it too.