Beginning Python, 2nd ed
| Author | Magnus Lie Hetland | |
| Published | September, 2008 | |
| Publisher | Apress | |
| ISBN | 1-59059-982-9 | |
| Pages | 688 | |
| Download | Source Code | |
| Buy it from… | Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | Barnes & Noble |
From Apress.com
Gain a fundamental understanding of Python’s syntax and features with the second edition of Beginning Python, an up–to–date introduction and practical reference. Covering a wide array of Python–related programming topics, including addressing language internals, database integration, network programming, and web services, you’ll be guided by sound development principles. Ten accompanying projects will ensure you can get your hands dirty in no time.
Updated to reflect the latest in Python programming paradigms and several of the most crucial features found in the forthcoming Python 3.0 (otherwise known as Python 3000), advanced topics, such as extending Python and packaging/distributing Python applications, are also covered.
What you’ll learn
- Become a proficient Python programmer by following along with a friendly, practical guide to the language’s key features.
- Write code faster by learning how to take advantage of advanced features such as magic methods, exceptions, and abstraction.
- Gain insight into modern Python programming paradigms including testing, documentation, packaging, and distribution.
- Learn by following along with ten interesting projects, including a P2P file–sharing application, chat client, video game, remote text editor, and more. Complete, downloadable code is provided for each project!
Who is this book for?
Programmers, novice and otherwise, seeking a comprehensive introduction to the Python programming language.
Reviews for the first edition
From Slashdot: Unlike what the title would suggest, Beginning Python isn’t only for the first few weeks with the language. The book is large and in depth, and the coverage of material is fantastic in many ways. You get a quick tour of the basics and then you move on to an overview of the language and then its common features. […]
I have begun recommending this book to people I know that are smart and program in other languages, but aren’t very familiar with Python. Many beginners books only take a person so far before they become a useless item on the shelf. This means that the $30 or more that was spent is now gone, so I’ve grown to be observant of how long I expect a book to be useful. I anticipate the useful shelf life of Beginning Python will be longer than average for most general purpose programming books for a single language. What’s more is that it’s not a dry reference book. […]
If you’ve been curious to learn Python and haven’t yet found the book that speaks to you clearly, this may be the one. I’m pleased with the quality of the writing, the examples, and the quick pace of the book. While it’s nearly 30 chapters in length, most of them are short and focused, making them easily digestible and highly useful. Overall probably the best Python book I’ve had the good fortune of reading. (Read the full review.)
From The JavaRanch Bunkhouse: I could write about how Apress has a knack for publishing great books by great authors. I could write about how “Beginning Python” is one of my favorite books so far, and not just on Python. I could write about how Magnus Lie Hetland does a wonderful job of introducing the reader to the Python language. I could write about how “Beginning Python” is one of the few books that actually delves into as many possible uses for the Python language from simple lists and string manipulation to GUI’s to web development. Believe it or not, with all the great content in this book, the best is yet to come. […]
For anyone wanting to learn Python or for a Python developer that wants to expand their knowledge and increase their productivity and find new uses for a great language, “Beginning Python” is a must have. It’s definitely one of my top five (5) favorite programming books. (Read the full review.)