Learning Python Guide
Learning Python Guide
Beginner
The Python Tutorial
This is the official tutorial. It covers all the basics, and offers a tour of the language and the standard library. Recommended for those who need a
quick-start guide to the language.
Learn Python
If you want a more traditional book, Python For You and Me is an excellent resource for learning all aspects of the language.
While exploring the various features available in the Python language the author weaves in various design patterns and best practices.
The book also includes several case studies which have the reader explore the topics discussed in the book in greater detail by applying those topics
to real-world examples. Case studies include assignments in GUI and Markov Analysis.
Think Python
Python Koans
Python Koans is a port of Edgecases Ruby Koans. It uses a test-driven approach, q.v. TEST DRIVEN DESIGN SECTION to provide an
interactive tutorial teaching basic Python concepts. By fixing assertion statements that fail in a test script, this provides sequential steps to learning
Python.
For those used to languages and figuring out puzzles on their own, this can be a fun, attractive option. For those new to Python and programming,
having an additional resource or reference will be helpful.
Python Koans
More information about test driven development can be found at these resources:
A Byte of Python
A free introductory book that teaches Python at the beginner level, it assumes no previous programming experience.
A Byte of Python for Python 2.x A Byte of Python for Python 3.x
Effective Python
Advanced
Pro Python
This book is for intermediate to advanced Python programmers who are looking to understand how and why Python works the way it does and how
they can take their code to the next level.
Pro Python
It starts with topics like decorators (with caching, proxy, and context manager case-studies), method resolution order, using super() and meta-
programming, and general PEP 8 best practices.
It has a detailed, multi-chapter case study on writing and releasing a package and eventually an application, including a chapter on using
zc.buildout. Later chapters detail best practices such as writing documentation, test-driven development, version control, optimization and profiling.
Fullstack Python
Fullstack Python offers a complete top-to-bottom resource for web development using Python.
From setting up the webserver, to designing the front-end, choosing a database, optimizing/scaling, etc.
As the name suggests, it covers everything you need to build and run a complete web app from scratch.
Fullstack Python
References
Python in a Nutshell
Python in a Nutshell, written by Alex Martelli, covers most cross-platform Pythons usage, from its syntax to built-in libraries to advanced topics
such as writing C extensions.
Python in a Nutshell
Python Cookbook
Python Cookbook, written by David Beazley and Brian K. Jones, is packed with practical recipes. This book covers the core python language as
well as tasks common to a wide variety of application domains.
Python Cookbook
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