Get Ready for Google Apps Engine - Learn Python and Django

I've recently began learning Python and the Django Web Framework for a project I am working on. And with Google's recent App Engine announcement it seemed like other developers might be interested in learning these technologies too.

My first bit of advice is keeping an open mind. If you have never written Python code before, but have a background in other languages like Java or PHP, you are in for a bit of a shock (or at least I was). Python's syntax is minimalistic (and not very flexible) with the goal of making Python scripts look very similar from programmer to programmer and thus understandable by all. After fighting syntax errors and swearing at gedit for auto-inserting spaces instead of tabs I've actually come to like Python a lot.

I have no experience with Ruby on Rails but hear rumors that Django has much in common. Regardless, Django is a lightweight framework that provides the developer with a lot of shortcuts and conveniences. Less configuration hassles and more code (the Python kind that is succinct and readable).

So with an open mind, here are some resources that should help you on your way:

• Dive Into a Python - a freely available website that provides a good introduction to Python. As an added bonus you can download a PDF or HTML version of the book to read while (gasp) offline;
• Python Tutorial - An indispensable reference;
• Django - download the Django Framework and follow the 4 simple tutorials.
• Django Book - I must admit, I just found out about this free resource and haven't had a chance to look through it yet;
  
• DjangoSnippets - User contributed code snippets. Sometimes looking at someone else's code can be invaluable and save a lot of time;
• Django Screencasts - I prefer reading through well-written documentation, but if you like fancy screencasts, these should help.
  

This short list contains all that you need to get going. Grab your favourite editor and marvel at how easy web development can be. You'll be mocking your J2EE-toiling friends in no time.

... and if you really want more to read, check out this Top 30 Django Tutorials List.