| | |  | Software Engineering | Home » » » Beginning Python: From Novice to Professional | | | | | | | Product Promotions: | | | | | Description: | | 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 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 this book is for Programmers, novice and otherwise, seeking a comprehensive introduction to the Python programming language. | | | Product Details: | | | Author:
| Magnus Lie Hetland | | Paperback:
| 688 pages | | Publisher:
| Apress | | Publication Date:
| September 19, 2008 | | Language:
| English | | ISBN:
| 1590599829 | | Product Length:
| 9.22 inches | | Product Width:
| 7.02 inches | | Product Height:
| 1.38 inches | | Product Weight:
| 2.02 pounds | | Package Length:
| 9.3 inches | | Package Width:
| 7.0 inches | | Package Height:
| 1.4 inches | | Package Weight:
| 2.05 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 23 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
 ( 23 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
56 of 57 found the following review helpful:
Very readable, and reasonable...Nov 17, 2008
By Robert A. Gibson
"softwareengineer"
I admit it. I really like Python as a programming language. So there. :-)
I think that Magnus has a very reasonable approach to presenting Python as a programming language. The real benefit to this book, however, is the collection of projects, and the way in which they are presented. Each project chapter is presented using the following template:
- What's the problem
- Useful tools
- Preparations
- First implementation
- Second implementation
...
- Putting it all together
- Further exploration
Far too many programming books present the "final" code in all its "glory" with no indication to the reader that it took multiple iterations to get to the code that was presented.
Yes, this takes a bit more room, but for those to whom programming is new, it is a very valuable technique. It is really important for programmers to realize that the first draft, or attempt, doesn't have to (and will almost never) be right, or complete.
Thanks
Magnus!
34 of 34 found the following review helpful:
 Still Useful, after all these years.Mar 02, 2009
By Mfragin
With the move to Python 3.0, I've been reading newer Python books a lot recently, either in final print form or pre-publication drafts. Then a friend just gave me her copy of this book, which I had read before but did not own.
I ended up re-reading a lot of this book and loving it more this time around. In particular, Magnus writes true Python code, getting to the heart of the language itself. I've read one too many "Python" books that are merely re-writes of a programming book from another language. Sure, you can re-write your C or Java code in Python, but to really grasp the beauty and efficiency of Python, you should be writing true Python (Pythonic) code. Magnus gets it, and this book is definitely worth reading, even now. It would be nice to have a version updated to 3.0, but this book is much better than the few 3.0 books I have seen published so far.
32 of 35 found the following review helpful:
Excellent book for learning PythonDec 06, 2008
By Bob
"PyDoc"
I've been programming computers since 1960. This is the best book I've ever seen on learning a new language. Material is introduced at the right pace, in the right order, and in a very readable fashion. I highly recommend it. I tried other books on Python (free and non-free) and chose this one as the best for me. I think it will be the best for you, too!
22 of 23 found the following review helpful:
 A lot of Python 2.X rementsAug 19, 2010
By Mike N
This book is pretty well written and easy to understand. The first few chapters seem really analogous to the MIT OCW beginning Python course.
My main issue with the book is that it is supposed to cover Python 3. The author states that the Python 2 syntax is nearly identical to Python 3 and that where it is different in the book he will make note of it. However, there are several examples that will give errors in Python 3 that are not noted by the author.
18 of 20 found the following review helpful:
 Doesn't "Cover Version 3"May 11, 2011
By Earl K. Takasaki
The cover of this book clearly says "Covered Version 3". Unfortnately, the extent of this coverages is Appendix D, about 7 pages. The rest of this book covers version 2.5. Sounds like a sneaky way to sell a second edition.
See all 23 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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