Learning Python, Second Edition

Python Cookbook

Python in a Nutshell

Python Standard Library (Nutshell Handbooks)

Python Pocket Reference (Pocket Reference (O'Reilly))

Python

Programming Python, Second Edition with CD

Format: Paperback
Author: Mark Lutz
ReleaseDate: March, 2001
Publisher: O'Reilly Media
Rating:

Misleading
Lutz states. While I think this book has value for some, it's not the target audience Mr. This is NOT a book for somewhat advanced programmers. This is a book for beginners.

What's worse, the material is presented in an almost condescending manner, as if Lutz doubts the reader's ability to grasp even the simple concepts he lays out. To further the insult, he repeats himself endlessly.

For those of us who aren't rank amateurs there are other gems in store, pointing up the author's lack of technical acumen. Merely suggesting that someone should use telnet from all over the world to access web servers or email is just absurd, for instance. There are many more examples.

The author bio states that Mark Lutz has been involved in Python for a long time and is a key figure. That statement appearing in this book casts a shadow over Python itself. I'm going to give Python and Mr. Lutz the benefit of the doubt and assume both have merits not seen in this work. If I hadn't heard such good things about Python from other sources and only had this book to go by I would be ditching Python.

a very well written introduction book
Probably one of the best python introduction books. I liked this book because its approach is very practical. I liked "In Action" chapters a lot. I used them for reference while gaining experience with the Python. It covers a lot of essential topic for the beginner. Python is also a very productive programming language and environment so both the book and language is highly recommended.

It's about thinking, not just programming
Yet, after spending in B&N for 1 hr looking through the book, I realized that this book should be put on my book shelve, for the following reasons:
1) It is job-oriented. I'm picky buying books now because there are so many good ones online free: Delve Into Python is one of them. Just look at the title of each chapter;
2) It provides a big picture: detailed technical skills are integrated into the understanding of the big picture;
3) Every sense let you think of something you've never thought before.

In summary, this book is not just about teaching how to program; it is about how to think with computer as your close friend- a soulmate: assuming at this time that your soulmate talks in Python!.