python texts?
Everyone that took their time to reply, thank you. I have a better idea of where to go after Learning Python. I still do not have a good idea of where this book will put me in the grand scheme of things, but oh well. I suppose that is something I will find out soon enough. Once again, thank you for your responses --Nate. -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
python texts?
Hello everyone, Can anyone recommend python text progression from me. Assuming I have no knowledge of python which books should I progress through? I prefer published books that I can actually hold with my hands. But if there are some awesome tutorials on-line I guess I am game. At this moment I am reading Learning Python 2nd edition by O'Reilly. I am enjoying it at the moment. I intend to be done with it in a week. But not sure where it will put me in the grand scheme of programming with python. So perhaps a more direct question would be, what do I read after this book? Should I read something before this book? Should I ditch this book? Thanks, --Nate -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: python texts?
nate wrote: I am enjoying it at the moment. I intend to be done with it in a week. But not sure where it will put me in the grand scheme of programming with python. So perhaps a more direct question would be, what do I read after this book? Should I read something before this book? Should I ditch this book? If you get through Learning Python, you'll know the *entire* language. All you need then is practice, and the best way to practice is to read and write code. Make sure you do the exercises in Learning Python on your computer, and even more importantly: *read* existing code; go grab some program or library that you find somewhat interesting, and study the it's source code. Even if you don't understand everything, you'll pick up invaluable idioms and patterns that you can use in your own code. (And don't miss http://www.pythonchallenge.com) You should also skim the Library Reference so you know what's in there, and where to find it when you need it; if you prefer hardcopy, get Beazley's Essential Python or Martelli's Nutshell book. Skimming the Python FAQ is also a good idea. /F -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: python texts?
On 2006-06-17, nate [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: reading Learning Python 2nd edition by O'Reilly. I am enjoying it at the I'd get the Python Cookbook, next. Dave Cook -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: python texts?
Dave Cook wrote: On 2006-06-17, nate [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: reading Learning Python 2nd edition by O'Reilly. I am enjoying it at the I'd get the Python Cookbook, next. There's a jump. The Cookbook is quite advanced. I'd write code next. Then, I'd read through the docs for all the provided modules (fast, the idea is to know where to go back for detail, not to understand each module in depth), and write more code. If you want paper for going through the modules, next I'd read either Beazley's Python Essential Reference or Alex Martelli's Python in a Nutshell. Choosing between P.E.R. and Nutshell is really quite individual. They are both great, thorough jobs that leave you with a wonderful reference work after you've read them. I'd say P.E.R. is terser, going for density and brevity, while the Nutshell is a bit more elaborative on what it covers. The choice between Martelli and Beazley is, I suspect, one of your learning style. Find somewhere to look at each (any edition) and read twenty pages from the middle. One of them will seem much better than the other, and it has everything to do with what you prefer. The Cookbook comes later. As does getting all the way through the challenge, but for puzzle lovers, it can be great fun. --Scott David Daniels [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: python texts?
I'd say P.E.R. is terser, going for density and brevity, while the Nutshell is a bit more elaborative on what it covers. The choice between Martelli and Beazley is, I suspect, one of your learning style. Yes, sometimes Beazley is too terse if you're reading about something for the first time. But he's the best when you need to freshen your knowledge on a module or function you used three months ago. When in doubt, get both Beazley Martelli. And follow with the Cookbook. Note the Martelli Nutshell is coming out in a new edition in early July. You can preorder. http://tinyurl.com/pkczm rd -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
