Python For Dummies (Paperback)

~ Stef Maruch (Author), Aahz Maruch (Author)
Key Phrases: sequential data types, generator iterator, def foo, Using Python's Primary Services, Accessing the Internet, Getting Your Hands (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Python is one of the most powerful, easy-to-read programming languages around, but it does have its limitations. This general purpose, high-level language that can be extended and embedded is a smart option for many programming problems, but a poor solution to others.

Python For Dummies is the quick-and-easy guide to getting the most out of this robust program. This hands-on book will show you everything you need to know about building programs, debugging code, and simplifying development, as well as defining what actions it can perform. You’ll wrap yourself around all of its advanced features and become an expert Python user in no time. This guide gives you the tools you need to:

• Master basic elements and syntax
• Document, design, and debug programs
• Work with strings like a pro
• Direct a program with control structures
• Integrate integers, complex numbers, and modules
• Build lists, stacks, and queues
• Create an organized dictionary
• Handle functions, data, and namespace
• Construct applications with modules and packages
• Call, create, extend, and override classes
• Access the Internet to enhance your library
• Understand the new features of Python 2.5

Packed with critical idioms and great resources to maximize your productivity, Python For Dummies is the ultimate one-stop information guide. In a matter of minutes you’ll be familiar with Python’s building blocks, strings, dictionaries, and sets; and be on your way to writing the program that you’ve dreamed about!

From the Back Cover

Use Python to build programs, debug code, and simplify development

Wrap yourself up in the structures, libraries, and advanced features of Python

Looking for a powerful yet easy-to-read programming language? Then slither up to Python! This friendly reference introduces you to Python, the portable, interactive language that combines great power with clear syntax. Get familiar with Python's building blocks; work with strings, dictionaries, and sets; and find out everything you need to write a robust program.

Discover how to

• Process lists and tuples
• Direct a program with control structures
• Build applications with modules and packages
• Get a charge from the "batteries included" libraries
• Understand the new features of Python 2.5, including SQLite

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Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies (September 14, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471778648
• ISBN-13: 978-0471778646
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #165,306 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good intro for getting started with Python..., December 24, 2006

By	Thomas Duff "Duffbert" (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)    (VINE VOICE)

Python For Dummies by Stef Maruch and Aahz Maruch is a pretty good introduction to the Python language, while also stressing proper technique and style...

Contents:
Part 1 - Getting Started: Introducing Python; Getting Your Hands on the Keyboard - Using Help, Interactive Mode; and IDLE; Basic Elements and Syntax; Grand Tour of the Python Language; Working Like a Programmer
Part 2 - Building Blocks: So This Strings Walks into a Bar; Counting Your Way to Fun and Profit; Processing Lists and Tuples; Diving into Dictionaries
Part 3 - Structures: Staying in Control; Fun with Functions; Building Applications with Modules and Packages; Getting Classy; Introducing New-Style Classes; Feeling Exceptional; Tackling Some Advanced Features
Part 4 - Libraries: Using Python's Primary Services; Processing Text; Digging into Disk Data; Accessing the Internet
Part 5 - The Part of Tens: Ten Critical Python Idioms; Ten Great Resources
Part 6 - Appendixes: Getting and Installing Python; Python Version Differences
Index

Python For Dummies starts out by explaining how Python came to be, why it's different than other languages, and what sort of applications are best suited for the Python approach. After that's out of the way, you get coverage of each Python feature and how it works. If you've ever gone through a book on a new programming language, you'll recognize the general layout and approach. The authors don't assume much prior programming experience (typical for a Dummies book), so the material is approachable and the writing is conversational in tone. I appreciated the section on "Working Like a Programmer", as it tries to establish proper development technique and mindset. Too often, books like this just toss out the features and no thought is given to grounding the reader in style. Unfortunately, that can lead to bad habits that are hard to correct down the road.

About the only thing I found lacking in this book were some larger, more comprehensive coding examples. Most of the code snippets are pretty small in nature, and aren't indicative of the type of programs you'd find in the wild. There are a couple larger examples, but I think it would have been nice to see a few more "real life" programs dissected and analyzed. Still, for someone getting started, you'll have enough to get started with...

If you're looking for a gentle introduction to Python to get your feet wet, this might be an option you'd like to consider...

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, April 22, 2008

By	Sacha De Carlo (Edison, NJ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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I agree with some of the reviewers here, it is definitely disappointing to see a bad seed among the good "... for dummies" series. I have previous experience with programming languages, although this is not my everyday task. I got interested in Python and wanted the book to guide me through the basics. After reading the first 7-8 chapters I started asking myself whether I missed something in the previous ones, as I lost track (and interest) in the book.
I found the examples parsed in the chapters rather useless, and not practical. Since, I have found several useful on-line tutorials on www.python.org, where the user is taken through the chapters in a gradual, progressive way. The examples and exercises in a beginner's book should be based on what is learned in the previous chapters, giving the reader the idea that what is learned is put in practice, thus easily assimilated.

I don't recommend this book for a complete novice, as she/he will lose interest in Python programming very easily! This book has the advantage of presenting the main and most important features of the Python programming language, but it sues a more advanced audience.

The low rating is indeed due to the non adequacy of the book for beginners and for not following the good standards of the "...for dummies" successful series.

Sacha

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars And this is good for?...., May 10, 2008

By	Mathew A. Shember (Cupertino, CA United States) - See all my reviews (VINE VOICE)

I have read a couple dummies books and usually they are more of an introductory baby steps type of book. This was not the case. It feels they tried to offer more and it ended up coming across as babble.

I found myself getting bored at times. I can program in Perl and I started this book knowing I might be above the topics at times. I was looking to this book as an introduction to Python. The examples given were not as good as I would have liked. Overall, I don't think the presentation of topics were not good. For example, I thought two chapters on OOP was overkill for this type of book and probably should have been reduced to a chapter on the bigger things you may do.

I mention the examples again as I usually like to enter them for the fun of it. However, they really don't give a good feeling for the power of python.

I did like the spider example but it was lightly discussed.

The last two chapters I think were most useful for the links and other modules that were mentioned.

I should say glob was mentioned and I think the book should have talked about it more then just a passing mention.

So will I suggest this book? Probably not. It really depends on the person. I think it has to be a person that is between beginner and somebody who knows how to program.