Customer Reviews

Python Annotated Archives

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This book is filled with a vast array of errors. I began to catalog them so I could post a list on the web, but I gave up within 50 pages. The author apparently does not understand the algorithms of the code he purports to explain, and frequently his "explanations" only serve to mislead.

This book should be avoided by everyone. Beginning programmers will be totally confused. Beginning python programmers will be mislead and waste a lot of time. Persons coming to python with a solid background will also find themselves wasting time, but it will be venting their frustration at the author's breezy errors and the fact that they have given him money for this work.

Also the entire concept of editorial review seems to have been dismissed by this publisher.

I cannot stress enough how bad this book is. I recommend going with "Learning Python" for an introduction, or "Programming Python" by Mark Lutz if you want to really get into the meat of things.

This book is unacceptable at every level.

This is a pleasant enough read, annotating at length, in a conversational style, on a variety of Python scripts. The typo density is a tad high; the variety of Python libraries (such as math, graphics, sound, ...) used is excellent, the font the usual too big - trying to make a medium book look big. Biggest gripe: the typos and piddling inconsistencies in coding styles.

If your the kind of person that likes to read someone elses code, and the modify the hell out of it to get your job done or learn a language. Then this is DEFINITELY the book for you.

If your looking for the definitive Python reference that you can carry with you and look up the more esoteric methods or rules. Then this is DEFINITELY NOT the book for you! You need to go get Python Essential Reference. I have 5 python books right now. Of the 5 I'm thinking of getting another copy to carry with me, and leave this one at work. All the rest we're helpful in getting me started, but don't get the same use day to day.

Every chapter was of interest. Seeing networks and web programming and user interface from the Python perspective helped me evaluate the language as a tool for a particular project I have in mind. The CD-Rom had clear directories and quick install of the language along with the on-line tutorial and other learning aids.

I found the type just the right size. Overall a comfortable read. It sold me on Python.

The examples in this book are geared for UNIX administrators, limiting its usefulness to other users. Consider this book if you are a UNIX administrator who learns best by looking at code examples, otherwise your time and money are probably best spent on another book. For examples of how to do things - Python Essential Reference is a better book. Archives is not as much a reference as it is a method of learning Python by looking at code examples and explanations of the code.