I was just wondering what the best books were for learning Python.
Which books are good for getting started, and which should be saved for later, or or not useful except as a reference for the learned?
I have a decent programming background in VB, JavaScript, VBScript,
Net.Data (IBM's macro language), regular expressions, and a teensy bit of
Perl. My point is, I don't want something that is going to explain the basic
programming concepts, but does give a good introduction to Python-specific
things. Then, once I know how to get the job done, I would like a good book or two at the intermediate to advanced level, to learn how to write really good code.
I understand that resources such as this list and Google searches have all the answers,
but it seems like a more structured tool, such as a book or formal class, would be
of great benefit to me. The other languages I have used were picked up because of the
need to get a job done. As a result, I am able to get the job done, but any experienced
coder can show me six more efficient ways to do what I'm doing. I'm new to
Python, and I want to do this one right. I believe that Python will be
around for a good, long time, and it matches my values as an Open-Source/Linux
supporter, while having relevance in the Windows and Mac world, as well. Plus, it looks like it was designed extremely well, and I'm excited about the principles I've read about.
Thanks, Shawn
Hi Shawn,
I'm not done learning (and not just in the sense that no one ever finishes learning -- I'm a hobbyist not a pro). But, I found Learning Python <http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/lpython2/> really useful. Once I'd read that, Python in a Nutshell has been great to remind me of what I learned but 'misplaced' <http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/pythonian/>.
I've not read all of it, and it overlaps a fair bit with Learning Python, but the free Dive Into Python reads well and is often cited as a good intro for those with programming experience. <http://diveintopython.org/>. It is also available as a dead-tree product from APress.
HTH,
Brian vdB
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