Re: Just bought Python in a Nutshell
7stud [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Used copies of computer books for out of date editions are always cheap. Python in a Nutshell (2nd ed) is a reference book with a frustratingly poor index--go figure. It also contains errors not posted in the errata. You can always enter errata at http://www.oreilly.com/cgi-bin/errata.form/pythonian2 and thus help all future readers of the book (if your errata are confirmed to be valid). Vague mentions of errors not posted in the errata are far less useful (and unconfirmed, too). Alex -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: Just bought Python in a Nutshell
Python in a nutshell also comes in a second edition: http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/pythonian2/index.html. Here, many of the new features in Python 2.5 are included. I haven't read through the first the edition, but I can honestly say that reading through the second edition has made me a better programmer, not just a better Python programmer. I only wish I'd read through it earlier, which would have saved me a lot of agony:) -Tor Erik -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: Just bought Python in a Nutshell
Used copies of computer books for out of date editions are always cheap. Python in a Nutshell (2nd ed) is a reference book with a frustratingly poor index--go figure. It also contains errors not posted in the errata. -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: Just bought Python in a Nutshell
Wow I just got it, and its nice doesn't even look used god damn. :D. On 9/14/07, Lamonte Harris [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Lol, you bought it, dude theres not one left imho. When I bought it, it still said 1 More left Lol...mines should be her no less then a hour -.-... Taking SO LONG. On 9/14/07, Danyelle Gragsone [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Luckily that site still had one left .. so i brought it :D. I can always use another good and CHEAP book. Danyelle -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: Just bought Python in a Nutshell
awesome! I should see it in about 2 wks.. im poor. So I choose super snail mail. LN -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Just bought Python in a Nutshell
http://www.powells.com/biblio/63-9780596001889-7 Used, has anyone read this book. Any additional information that you like,dislike about this book? [I like having real books and stead of ebooks because its better on the eyes.] Should be her 2morrow Afternoon :), few hours before I get home great deal :D. -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: [Tutor] Just bought Python in a Nutshell
My best advice: Skim it -- just flip the pages, glancing at each one without really reading it -- maybe just read the bold type. You'll find that very rewarding when you run into a problem in your coding and remember that you saw *something* which could be related. You will probably notice some built-in functions that you will need and possibly would have re-invented if you didn't know they were there. I don't really find it to be a reading book -- it's more of a reference book. Flip through it, then keep it within reach of your keyboard. Shawn -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: Just bought Python in a Nutshell
I respectfully disagree with Shawn, in this case. Don't skim Nutshell, unless you know very little Python, and even then it is really the wrong book. It is rather dry reading and provides very little of the usual user-friendly introductions to language features by solving simple problems. Doesn't sound like that much of an endorsement, does it? Well, in fact, it is pretty much my most used Python book (out of 7 or 8 others). If you read Alex's posts in this newsgroup, you'll see that he is one of the most pragmatic and rigorous posters who usually contributes code that elegantly and simply solves the issue at hand with the minimum amount of clutter. What Python in a Nutshell is really good at is showing you exactly what Python is capable of doing, feature by feature, in a thoroughly Pythonic way for the feature. With code and exact implication. For example, I know Python well but I am kinda lacking in metaclass comprehension. If I were to write some non-trivial metaclasses I would surely have his 3 or 4 pages open on my desk as I write code and skim through other internet postings. Those 3-4 pages have kinda made my brain shrivel every time I've looked at them, but they are the clearest overview I've seen of what is probably one of the hardest Python features to understand. For normal, easy-to-understand Python, Nutshell really dissects the languages with new insight. The information is dense, because each word has its place and there very little filler. That's why skimming it does not work for me, I just don't have the requisite sustained attention span. So, although I read almost all other computer books like Shawn does, I don't think it applies in this particular case. When you have a particular aspect of Python in mind, use Nutshell. Read up on 'look before you leap' in it if you really want a sample of how it is written. Cheers -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: Just bought Python in a Nutshell
Right, I like reading books it comes handier then reading ebooks, less programs and its right there in your hands. Main reason I'm going to use it for is to find questions without asking them on the python list or tutor list for a quicker referrence. On 9/14/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I respectfully disagree with Shawn, in this case. Don't skim Nutshell, unless you know very little Python, and even then it is really the wrong book. It is rather dry reading and provides very little of the usual user-friendly introductions to language features by solving simple problems. Doesn't sound like that much of an endorsement, does it? Well, in fact, it is pretty much my most used Python book (out of 7 or 8 others). If you read Alex's posts in this newsgroup, you'll see that he is one of the most pragmatic and rigorous posters who usually contributes code that elegantly and simply solves the issue at hand with the minimum amount of clutter. What Python in a Nutshell is really good at is showing you exactly what Python is capable of doing, feature by feature, in a thoroughly Pythonic way for the feature. With code and exact implication. For example, I know Python well but I am kinda lacking in metaclass comprehension. If I were to write some non-trivial metaclasses I would surely have his 3 or 4 pages open on my desk as I write code and skim through other internet postings. Those 3-4 pages have kinda made my brain shrivel every time I've looked at them, but they are the clearest overview I've seen of what is probably one of the hardest Python features to understand. For normal, easy-to-understand Python, Nutshell really dissects the languages with new insight. The information is dense, because each word has its place and there very little filler. That's why skimming it does not work for me, I just don't have the requisite sustained attention span. So, although I read almost all other computer books like Shawn does, I don't think it applies in this particular case. When you have a particular aspect of Python in mind, use Nutshell. Read up on 'look before you leap' in it if you really want a sample of how it is written. Cheers -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: Just bought Python in a Nutshell
Luckily that site still had one left .. so i brought it :D. I can always use another good and CHEAP book. Danyelle -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: [pygame] Re: Just bought Python in a Nutshell
Lamonte Harris wrote: Wow I just got it, and its nice doesn't even look used god damn. :D. It's generally considered rude to curse in technical forums such as this. Also, please use more punctuation. You're hard to understand sometimes. -Luke -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: Just bought Python in a Nutshell
Lamonte Harris wrote: http://www.powells.com/biblio/63-9780596001889-7 Used, has anyone read this book. Any additional information that you like,dislike about this book? [I like having real books and stead of ebooks because its better on the eyes.] Should be her 2morrow Afternoon :), few hours before I get home great deal :D. You have just purchased the most comprehensive language reference and instructional manual currently available, written by an acknowledged expert whose pedantry ensures an excruciating level of correctness in the text. It's a well-written book, and contains enough information that almost every Python programmer will find it a useful addition to his or her bookshelf. You will enjoy it whether you choose to read from the beginning or just dip in. regards Steve -- Steve Holden+1 571 484 6266 +1 800 494 3119 Holden Web LLC/Ltd http://www.holdenweb.com Skype: holdenweb http://del.icio.us/steve.holden --- Asciimercial -- Get on the web: Blog, lens and tag the Internet Many services currently offer free registration --- Thank You for Reading - -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
