PythonChallenge - an Amusing Way to Explore Python

thesamet writes "The Python Challenge is a set of riddles that require a little bit of Python programming to be solved. The purpose of the riddles is to provide an entertaining way to explore the Python programming language. The challenge was started late in April this year and it is starting to gain popularity in the Python community. What people love most about the challenge is that it makes them poke in Python's module library and discover new things. It truly demonstrates the great power of Python's included 'batteries.' The riddles are designed to be solvable by Python beginners, but yet are challenging even to experienced Python programmers. The first few riddles are very easy, but it gradually becomes more and more challenging. Many people reported that playing the challenge is highly addictive and it is great fun. The site also features discussion forums where users can ask for hints. Additionally, after solving a riddle, its solution is available in a wiki form."

Comments

not to nitpick here

[Naikrovek]

but where's the perl version?

python is ugly and unreadable.

Re:not to nitpick here

[Anonymous Coward]

I don't know of anything exactly the same, but the Perl culture is full of fun playthings centered on enjoyment of the language for its own sake. One might even argue that much of the development process of Perl 6 itself has this flavor, with Apocalypses and Exegeses that partially are language specifications, but are really more like essays or articles on programming in Perl and how positive it is. That's to say the least of things like the Perl advent calendar, which are much more like the Python challenge.

Having said that, I think that there probably should be something more for Perl along the lines of a programming challenge in particular, rather than just fun dialogue.

The one language that I think is in dire need of this sort of stuff, more than Perl or Python, is Ocaml. It's a powerful language with a dedicated fan base, who enjoy programming in it for its own sake, but lacks the sort of cohesive community that other languages have. A programming challenge sort of thing might appeal to those who might be interested in OCaml.

Re:not to nitpick here

[stjobe]

Here.

yeah, that...

[InsaneCreator]

Many people reported that playing the challenge is highly addictive and it is great fun.

It's even more addictive and fun to express solutions as perl one-liners. :)

Also check out RubyQuiz

[Colonel Panic]

If you're interested in exploring Ruby in a similar way check out RubyQuiz.

Re:yes, a lovely puzzle.

[pjl5602]

From the FAQ:

<snip>
Where did you get the idea from?
I was inspired while I was playing notpron. It just occured to me that the same style of riddles can serve as a way to discover Python.
<snip>

Python?

[ralejs]

.. a set of riddles that require a little bit of Python programming to be solved.

Cross out the "Python" above. There is no need to use Python to solve these puzzles. I use Haskell. Some other language might work for someone else. There is nothing Python specific about the challenges. But they are indeed quite amusing.

Re:Python?

[ralejs]

It is really not that difficult to write that function yourself.

Re:4) follow the chain

[mmaddox]

Translation:

"I'm too pissy to do puzzles. Fuck you all for thinking Python puzzles might be fun."