Python For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

By Stef Maruch and Aahz Maruch

Python is one of the most powerful, easy-to-read programming languages around, but it does have its limitations. This general purpose, high-level language that can be extended and embedded is a smart option for many programming problems, but a poor solution to others. Python For Dummies is the quick-and-easy guide to getting the most out of this robust program. This hands-on book will show you everything you need to know about building programs, debugging code, and simplifying development, as well as defining what actions it can perform. You'll wrap yourself around all of its advanced features and become an expert Python user in no time. This guide gives you the tools you need to: Master basic elements and syntax Document, design, and debug programs Work with strings like a pro Direct a program with control structures Integrate integers, complex numbers, and modules Build lists, stacks, and queues Create an organized dictionary Handle functions, data, and namespace Construct applications with modules and packages Call, create, extend, and override classes Access the Internet to enhance your library Understand the new features of Python 2.5 Packed with critical idioms and great resources to maximize your productivity, Python For Dummies is the ultimate one-stop information guide. In a matter of minutes you'll be familiar with Python's building blocks, strings, dictionaries, and sets; and be on your way to writing the program that you've dreamed about!

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471778648
• ISBN13: 9780471778646
• Release Date: September 2006
• Publisher: For Dummies
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 1.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 7.3" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Good transition from Visual Basic

If you have programmed at the level of Visual Basic, or perhaps Excel macros, then this book is perfect for you. It's a pleasure to read -- with its variety of visual aids. In many books, the graphics just clutter the page. Not here. The concepts pop out at you and burn themselves into your memory. I doubt you can become productive in Python any faster than with this book.

A good intro for getting started with Python...

Python For Dummies by Stef Maruch and Aahz Maruch is a pretty good introduction to the Python language, while also stressing proper technique and style... Contents: Part 1 - Getting Started: Introducing Python; Getting Your Hands on the Keyboard - Using Help, Interactive Mode; and IDLE; Basic Elements and Syntax; Grand Tour of the Python Language; Working Like a Programmer Part 2 - Building Blocks: So This Strings Walks into a Bar; Counting Your Way to Fun and Profit; Processing Lists and Tuples; Diving into Dictionaries Part 3 - Structures: Staying in Control; Fun with Functions; Building Applications with Modules and Packages; Getting Classy; Introducing New-Style Classes; Feeling Exceptional; Tackling Some Advanced Features Part 4 - Libraries: Using Python's Primary Services; Processing Text; Digging into Disk Data; Accessing the Internet Part 5 - The Part of Tens: Ten Critical Python Idioms; Ten Great Resources Part 6 - Appendixes: Getting and Installing Python; Python Version Differences Index Python For Dummies starts out by explaining how Python came to be, why it's different than other languages, and what sort of applications are best suited for the Python approach. After that's out of the way, you get coverage of each Python feature and how it works. If you've ever gone through a book on a new programming language, you'll recognize the general layout and approach. The authors don't assume much prior programming experience (typical for a Dummies book), so the material is approachable and the writing is conversational in tone. I appreciated the section on "Working Like a Programmer", as it tries to establish proper development technique and mindset. Too often, books like this just toss out the features and no thought is given to grounding the reader in style. Unfortunately, that can lead to bad habits that are hard to correct down the road. About the only thing I found lacking in this book were some larger, more comprehensive coding examples. Most of the code snippets are pretty small in nature, and aren't indicative of the type of programs you'd find in the wild. There are a couple larger examples, but I think it would have been nice to see a few more "real life" programs dissected and analyzed. Still, for someone getting started, you'll have enough to get started with... If you're looking for a gentle introduction to Python to get your feet wet, this might be an option you'd like to consider...