Guide To: Learning Iteration and Generators in Python

by Matt Harrison

Do you want to take your Python to the next level?

Python is easy to learn. You can learn the basics in a day and be
productive with it. But there are more advanced constructs that you
will eventually run across if you spend enough time with it. Don't be confused by these. Learn them, embrace them, and improve your code and others.

 

Iteration and Generators

Understanding iteration enables understanding generators and easily creating objects that can iterate. This guide will explain the theory behind iteration in Python and teach best practices for generator creation and use. Do not beware the yield, rather embrace the power it provides.

The guide covers:

Iteration Protocol Iterators Iterables Class Iteration The yield statement Generators Function Generators Class Generators

Write Python code like the masters

These constructs, while not necessary per se, allow you to be more succinct,
re-use code, and think about code in a different way. You will learn:

How the constructs work When to use them Real life examples from the standard library Understand other's code
This book covers many of these intermediate constructs that are available in Python. The book covers both Python 2 and 3. Topics include:

Iteration Generators Using them with classes Real world examples of their use Based on popular tutorials and sessions 

I have taught material similar to these constructs at popular tutorials at conferences such as PyCon, OSCON and Strata (and other
conferences). This book is based on my experience teaching and using
Python for many years. I hope you learn something while in the course
of your reading. Maybe it will help you in your next task, code
review, or job interview.

 

Up Your Advanced Python Skills

It is assumed that the reader has some knowledge of Python. You will walk away knowing the the in's and out's of iteration and generators, when to use them, and how to use them.

76 pages, Paperback

First published March 12, 2012