Re: first book about python
(double feature) From: Ray [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tues, Aug 1 2006 2:10 am Hi Wesley, which edition of Python will your latest Core Python cover? Will it cover 2.5? ray: thanks for asking. one of my goals for the book is to really cover the *core* parts of the language, meaning that, like Python, i try to keep it version independent. if you write an app using 2.3, it should pretty much run unmodified in 2.4, etc. in other words, regardless of which Python release you use, the book will have relevant material. it is not too often that something about the core part of the language changes enough to make a significant impact on the applications that people write. with that said, i can tell you that the book has been updated to 2.5, as well as includes some features already set for 2.6 and 2.7, and also presumably 3.0. in the book, we've placed markers or logos that *tag* when an important feature was added to Python, so if you're still using 2.4 say, you can skip over stuff from newer versions, or at least read about them so that you know what's possible if you migrate. so far, the book has been pretty well received after speaking with some (OSCON) conference attendees who saw the rough draft last week at the convention bookstore. hope this helps! -wesley From: John Salerno [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tues, Aug 1 2006 6:48 am wesley chun wrote: if you want a large case study (tons of examples, i.e., everything *plus* the kitchen sink), look for Lutz' massive Programming Python. which is also coming out in a new edition soon. i believe that mark's book will be released around the same time as Aahz' Python for Dummies (another possible first book for newbies), and Core Python will come around several weeks later -- i know is that we are hitting the printers sometime this week, followed by the binding, distribution, shipping, etc. once the publisher or amazon has some sample text, i'll be glad to share it with you. there is a sample chapter from the 1st ed at the book's website (link below) if you want to get a taste of my writing style -- that hasn't changed between editions. ;-) cheers, -- wesley - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Core Python Programming, Prentice Hall, (c)2007,2001 http://corepython.com wesley.j.chun :: wescpy-at-gmail.com python training and technical consulting cyberweb.consulting : silicon valley, ca http://cyberwebconsulting.com -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
gene tani wrote: IOANNIS MANOLOUDIS wrote: I want to learn python. I plan to buy a book. I always find printed material more convenient than reading on-line tutorials. I don't know PERL or any other scripting language. I only know some BASH programming. I am looking for a book which will help me get started and should contain the foundations. I am not looking for the Python bible. Any recommendations? Ioannis Printed: Magnus Hetland's latest book, the Wrox book and OReilly Learning Python are all good. Chun's Core Python will be updated and released soon, that will be good too. thanks for the plug. the book has indeed been fully updated plus a few brand new chapters as well... release date's about the 1st-2nd week of Sep 2006. Core Python target audience is comprised of those who know how to program in any other high-level language, i.e., C/C++, Java, Perl, Tcl/Tk, PHP, etc., who want to learn Python as quickly and as comprehensively as possible, then be introduced to a variety of specialized topics with which to continue to develop your Python skills with. it is not the bible, as that would be the docs that already come with Python. i'd say it's about 40% beginner, 40% intermediate/advanced, and 20% reference. if you're looking for a pure reference, check out Beazley's PER or Martelli's Nutshell. if you're absolutely new to programming, check out Dawson's Absolute Beginner or Downey/Eklner's How to Think like a Computer Scientist. if you want a large case study (tons of examples, i.e., everything *plus* the kitchen sink), look for Lutz' massive Programming Python. if you only know shell scripting, you should still be able to pick up much of the material in Core Python, esp. if you have done looping and/or conditionals in the shell language. it is a large book and is pretty comprehensive though, so if you're looking for a lighter intro, the books gene's suggested should work -- i would also add Dive into Python to that group. if possible, try to find sample chapters from any book you're interested in before buying to make sure that it will suit your needs. when you start delving into Python, come over to the Python Tutor mailing list. if you have a question that no book seems to be able to answer or seems to be taking forever to look up, you'll find that you can get just about any answer from the helpful tutors on that list. yiassoo! -- wesley - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Core Python Programming, Prentice Hall, (c)2007,2001 http://corepython.com wesley.j.chun :: wescpy-at-gmail.com python training and technical consulting cyberweb.consulting : silicon valley, ca http://cyberwebconsulting.com -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
wesley chun wrote: if you only know shell scripting, you should still be able to pick up much of the material in Core Python, esp. if you have done looping and/or conditionals in the shell language. it is a large book and is pretty comprehensive though, so if you're looking for a lighter intro, the books gene's suggested should work -- i would also add Dive into Python to that group. if possible, try to find sample chapters from any book you're interested in before buying to make sure that it will suit your needs. snip Hi Wesley, which edition of Python will your latest Core Python cover? Will it cover 2.5? Thanks Ray -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
wesley chun wrote: if you want a large case study (tons of examples, i.e., everything *plus* the kitchen sink), look for Lutz' massive Programming Python. which is also coming out in a new edition soon -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
On Sun, 09 Jul 2006 03:41:52 +0300 IOANNIS MANOLOUDIS [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I want to learn python. I am looking for a book which will help me get started and should contain the foundations. I am not looking for the Python bible. Any recommendations? Ioannis Hmm, no one has mentioned Python Programming for the Absolute Beginner (second edition) by Michael Dawson. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1598631128/102-5443736-1342538?v=glancen=283155 Yes, it's very game oriented, but it's also very newbie oriented. I've slso downloaded some Python tutorials: I've got the Python version of How to Think Like a Computer Scientist: http://www.ibiblio.org/obp/thinkCSpy/ And Dive into Python (available online as well as paper): http://diveintopython.org/ Hope this helps. CronoCloud (Ron Rogers Jr.) -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
I recommend The Quick Python Book by Harms and McDonald. Its strength is its brevity and *readability* -- you can actually just sit down and read it and enjoy it. It doesn't cover the newest features of Python or the most advanced, but that is not necessary in a beginner's book. Once you're up to speed on Python, as a sysadmin you'll probably find Python Network Programming useful. It is not a beginner's book, but it is addressed to the kind of issues that you'll probably want to be using Python for. -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
Once you are ready to take the plunge another good document is the Python tutorial written by Guido Von Rossum himself (http://docs.python.org/tut/). It's not a full fledged 300 page manifesto but it's covers the basic of the language. IOANNIS MANOLOUDIS wrote: I guess it's better to wait for the for dummies book. I should focus instead in taking the LPIC-2 exams in September. Ioannis -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
tac-tics wrote: Philippe Martin wrote: I don't know, if I were the genious that made up Python I would not believe in any bible (small b) Take it to alt.religion please. Take it to alt.narrow-mondedness please. regards Steve -- Steve Holden +44 150 684 7255 +1 800 494 3119 Holden Web LLC/Ltd http://www.holdenweb.com Skype: holdenweb http://holdenweb.blogspot.com Recent Ramblings http://del.icio.us/steve.holden -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
Learning Python, Perl, or Ruby would help you create admin scripts that would save you lots of manual work. For me automated log file alerting, SQL query parsing, SQL table updates, Internet file uploading/downloading, etc. has been a huge plus. Perl is likely the most widely used in terms of existing scripts that you can review, modify, borrow ideas from, etc. But from a long term maintainability and readability standpoint I would recommend Python or Ruby over Perl. Just my $0.02... IOANNIS MANOLOUDIS wrote: I thank everybody for your replies. I think I'll get Hertland's book since it's newer than O'reillys. I don't want to become a programmer. Neither Python is part of my studies. I've finished with my studies. I want to become a Unix/Linux admin and knowledge of either Python or Perl is an asset. Do you think that this book is the right one for me? Ioannis -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
IOANNIS MANOLOUDIS wrote: I want to learn python. I plan to buy a book. I always find printed material more convenient than reading on-line tutorials. I don't know PERL or any other scripting language. I only know some BASH programming. I am looking for a book which will help me get started and should contain the foundations. I am not looking for the Python bible. Any recommendations? Ioannis I definitely recommend Learning Python (2nd ed.) from O'Reilly. Despite what some may say, I do *not* recommend Beginning Python (Apress) because it moves too quickly for a beginner and doesn't explain everything fully. -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
I read almost every published book about Python and I found Magnus' Beginning Python the best book to start with. As Alex said it is particularly appreciated by those who like learning by examples and by try and error: it is actually the opposite to what Alex believed as Beginning Python is meant to be a sort of update of the previous book Practical Python. In addition and maybe before of Magnus book I would suggest A byte of Python http://www.byteofpython.info/ the best fast introduction to Python I have ever seen. Alex Martelli [EMAIL PROTECTED] ha scritto nel messaggio news:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Jake Emerson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: There have been lots of recommendations for the O'Reilly book, which is a good one. However, I would recommend Beginning Python by Magnus Lie Hetland. All I knew before starting Python was Mathematica, and this book was very helpful. It may seem to start out slow, but I've found that I'm going back to those first chapters occasionally to review and practice the syntax. It, and this group, have carried me through some pretty tough problems (for me anyway). It's been worth it. Good luck. Hetland's books are excellent, particularly if you like to learn by example -- I believe the current one Practical Python is meant to supersede the earlier Beginning Python (but I'm not sure). Alex -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
In article [EMAIL PROTECTED], IOANNIS MANOLOUDIS [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I want to learn python. I plan to buy a book. I always find printed material more convenient than reading on-line tutorials. I don't know PERL or any other scripting language. I only know some BASH programming. I am looking for a book which will help me get started and should contain the foundations. I am not looking for the Python bible. Any recommendations? If you're willing to wait 1.5 months, _Python for Dummies_ will be the first book that really covers Python 2.5. (Alex's _Python in a Nutshell_ does cover some of Python 2.5, but there were a fair number of late changes that came after he needed to turn it in, most notably the inclusion of sqlite3. It's also not a beginner book.) -- Aahz ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) * http://www.pythoncraft.com/ I saw `cout' being shifted Hello world times to the left and stopped right there. --Steve Gonedes -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
I thank everybody for your replies. I think I'll get Hertland's book since it's newer than O'reillys. I don't want to become a programmer. Neither Python is part of my studies. I've finished with my studies. I want to become a Unix/Linux admin and knowledge of either Python or Perl is an asset. Do you think that this book is the right one for me? Ioannis -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
Aahz [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In article [EMAIL PROTECTED], IOANNIS MANOLOUDIS [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I want to learn python. I plan to buy a book. I always find printed material more convenient than reading on-line tutorials. I don't know PERL or any other scripting language. I only know some BASH programming. I am looking for a book which will help me get started and should contain the foundations. I am not looking for the Python bible. Any recommendations? If you're willing to wait 1.5 months, _Python for Dummies_ will be the first book that really covers Python 2.5. (Alex's _Python in a Nutshell_ does cover some of Python 2.5, but there were a fair number of late changes that came after he needed to turn it in, most notably the inclusion of sqlite3. It's also not a beginner book.) I confirm on both scores: the Nutshell is not meant for beginners to programming (it _may_ be used by experienced programmers whose experience comes from other languages, but it may be a stretch even for them, depending on what other languages are exactly); and, the new 2nd edition of the Nutshell does not cover well the big additions to Python 2.5's standard library (ctypes and etree, as well as sqlite) -- it barely _mentions_ them as late-breaking developments, with pointers to online docs. Stef's and Aahz's for Dummies will be a good book for beginners (many people have prejudices against the whole for Dummies series, perhaps exactly because of their titles!, but, really, there ARE many good books in that series, if you can just accept the titles as well-natured, innocuous humor!) -- I only looked at a subset of its chapters, so I don't know in particular how well it teaches sqlite, ctypes and etree, but the materials I _did_ look at were excellent. Alex -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
IOANNIS MANOLOUDIS [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I thank everybody for your replies. I think I'll get Hertland's book since it's newer than O'reillys. I don't want to become a programmer. Neither Python is part of my studies. I've finished with my studies. I want to become a Unix/Linux admin and knowledge of either Python or Perl is an asset. Knowledge of _both_ languages is even better for this specific task: many existing sysadm scripts are in Perl, and you may well be working side by side with other, more senior admis who are dyed-in-the-wool Perl hackers (since Perl is so very popular with that crowd). Do you think that this book is the right one for me? Actually, particularly if you have any interest at all in possibly working in a mixed-platforms environment (including some Macs and/or Windows boxes as well as Linux), you might be better served by http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/perlsysadm/ -- at least if you accept my suggestion to get SOME familiarity with Perl as well as with Python. Yes, Perl IS harder to learn, BUT -- if you've already decided to learn both languages, starting with the harder one need not be a bad idea (the Romans' legions, back when they were the best soldiers in the world, trained with armor and weapons *heavier* than the ones they actually used in the field -- being used to heavier stuff gave them more agility and stamina when it most mattered, in battle and on long marches!-). Alex -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Alex Martelli) writes: Yes, Perl IS harder to learn, BUT -- if you've already decided to learn both languages, starting with the harder one need not be a bad idea (the Romans' legions, back when they were the best soldiers in the world, Learning Perl is actually a very well-written book for beginning programmers. The only thing wrong with it is it's about Perl... -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
I guess it's better to wait for the for dummies book. I should focus instead in taking the LPIC-2 exams in September. Ioannis -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
IOANNIS MANOLOUDIS wrote: I want to learn python. I plan to buy a book. I always find printed material more convenient than reading on-line tutorials. I don't know PERL or any other scripting language. I only know some BASH programming. I am looking for a book which will help me get started and should contain the foundations. I am not looking for the Python bible. Any recommendations? Ioannis Printed: Magnus Hetland's latest book, the Wrox book and OReilly Learning Python are all good. Chun's Core Python will be updated and released soon, that will be good too. Tutorials on Awaretek.com http://awaretek.com/tutorials.html cause it's always good to see something explained different ways. -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
first book about python
I want to learn python. I plan to buy a book. I always find printed material more convenient than reading on-line tutorials. I don't know PERL or any other scripting language. I only know some BASH programming. I am looking for a book which will help me get started and should contain the foundations. I am not looking for the Python bible. Any recommendations? Ioannis -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
I don't know, if I were the genious that made up Python I would not believe in any bible (small b) IOANNIS MANOLOUDIS wrote: I want to learn python. I plan to buy a book. I always find printed material more convenient than reading on-line tutorials. I don't know PERL or any other scripting language. I only know some BASH programming. I am looking for a book which will help me get started and should contain the foundations. I am not looking for the Python bible. Any recommendations? Ioannis -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
Try Learning Python which is part of the O'Reilly series of books they publish on computer programming. It's a good start. Most public library systems have copies you can check out, and most larger bookstores have it. Otherwise there's always Amazon.Com. Welcome to Python and enjoy! IOANNIS MANOLOUDIS wrote: I want to learn python. I plan to buy a book. I always find printed material more convenient than reading on-line tutorials. I don't know PERL or any other scripting language. I only know some BASH programming. I am looking for a book which will help me get started and should contain the foundations. I am not looking for the Python bible. Any recommendations? Ioannis -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
Philippe Martin wrote: I don't know, if I were the genious that made up Python I would not believe in any bible (small b) Take it to alt.religion please. I want to learn python. I plan to buy a book. I always find printed material more convenient than reading on-line tutorials. I had the same problem as you. I heard lots of good things about Python, but was unable to sit myself down in front of my computer long enough to learn it. So I picked up a copy of Learning Python and read the entire thing in a night. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0596002815/ref=pd_bxgy_img_b/002-4705377-6120028?ie=UTF8 I'm sorry I can't really do a comparison between different books, this being the only one I bought, but it got me to the point where I could start playing with code and reading the online documentation (which is superb). Coming from a relatively strong background in Java and C++, this book was very easy to digest. The book is not a teaching programming book, so unless you have experience in at least one real language programming language, it might not be worth your time. My only complaint about this book is the confusing way it presenting Python's OOP model and the way they present for loops (they make it sound like for loops are 100 times slower than in Java or C++... They don't get the actual point across effectively, that they are just different.) -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
In article [EMAIL PROTECTED], IOANNIS MANOLOUDIS [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I want to learn python. I plan to buy a book. I always find printed material more convenient than reading on-line tutorials. I don't know PERL or any other scripting language. I only know some BASH programming. I am looking for a book which will help me get started and should contain the foundations. I am not looking for the Python bible. Any recommendations? Ioannis http://groups.google.com/group/comp.lang.python/msg/3539b0fbd9c04db8 http://groups.google.com/groups?as_q=book+beginnernum=10scoring=dhl=enas_ugroup=comp.lang.python* http://diveintopython.org/ -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
I always find printed material more convenient than reading on-line tutorials. If you are sure you want a book and not online tutorials, then it's important that you have many code examples which include both the statements and the results. You may like Chris Fehily's Python Visual Quickstart Guide for this. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/asin/0201748843/inscape-20/ It's long in the tooth (only covers up to 2.2 and doesn't get too much into OO), but it features abundant examples running in columns right alongside lucid explanations of how Python works. rd -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
On Sat, 08 Jul 2006 14:41:52 -1000, IOANNIS MANOLOUDIS [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I want to learn python. I plan to buy a book. I always find printed material more convenient than reading on-line tutorials. I don't know PERL or any other scripting language. I only know some BASH programming. I am looking for a book which will help me get started and should contain the foundations. I am not looking for the Python bible. Any recommendations? Ioannis I started out w/ Learning Python from O'Reilly which is good for a nice, general overview of the language but I wanted something more detailed. I found the Python Learn to Program textbook from Deitel Deitel to be very good. It's based on v2.2 but it still has practical use. Since it's a text book it has many examples and small problems to try as you develop your skills. If you can find it used online you should be able to get it $40. -- Using Opera's revolutionary e-mail client: http://www.opera.com/mail/ -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
IOANNIS MANOLOUDIS [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I plan to buy a book. I always find printed material more convenient than reading on-line tutorials. Why not print out the on-line tutorial and read the hardcopy? -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
There have been lots of recommendations for the O'Reilly book, which is a good one. However, I would recommend Beginning Python by Magnus Lie Hetland. All I knew before starting Python was Mathematica, and this book was very helpful. It may seem to start out slow, but I've found that I'm going back to those first chapters occasionally to review and practice the syntax. It, and this group, have carried me through some pretty tough problems (for me anyway). It's been worth it. Good luck. Jake -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
Re: first book about python
Jake Emerson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: There have been lots of recommendations for the O'Reilly book, which is a good one. However, I would recommend Beginning Python by Magnus Lie Hetland. All I knew before starting Python was Mathematica, and this book was very helpful. It may seem to start out slow, but I've found that I'm going back to those first chapters occasionally to review and practice the syntax. It, and this group, have carried me through some pretty tough problems (for me anyway). It's been worth it. Good luck. Hetland's books are excellent, particularly if you like to learn by example -- I believe the current one Practical Python is meant to supersede the earlier Beginning Python (but I'm not sure). Alex -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
