[jba]

if you've never really programmed before I would suggest taking an introductory course at a community college.

most books and online reference you're going to find are geared towards people who already understand programming and are trying to pick up a new language.

for example, taken from the first real section of that python page:

[ QUOTE ]

Python has functions like most other languages, but it does not have separate header files like C++ or interface/implementation sections like Pascal. When you need a function, just declare it, like this:


def buildConnectionString(params):

Note that the keyword def starts the function declaration, followed by the function name, followed by the arguments in parentheses. Multiple arguments (not shown here) are separated with commas.


[/ QUOTE ]

they are assuming that the reader understands what is meant by the bold words. These words are jargon, they will not be understood easily by non programmers. Granted some of this stuff won't be too tough to figure out through deduction but most material like this isn't intended for OP. He really needs a day of class talking about what a function is before this will really make sense.