Sams Teach Yourself Python in 24 Hours

by Katie Cunningham

Python is the perfect "first programming language." It's easy for beginners to read and understand, and since it's so widely used, you can apply what you've learned practically anywhere. Now, there's a simple, up-to-date beginner's tutorial that will help you master the newest versions of Python: "Sams Teach Yourself Python in 24 Hours, Second Edition." Completely rewritten by pioneering Python developer and advocate Katie Cunningham, this guide teaches simply and clearly, through 24 concise, hands-on lessons focused on knowledge you can apply immediately. Each lesson builds on what's come before, showing exactly how to get practical results fast. Cunningham doesn't stop with syntax: she guides you towards building large real-world projects, including dynamic websites, games, and stand-alone applications. Using a running case study, every chapter makes real world connections between technical skills and their practical applications. Throughout, step-by-step instructions walk you through key tasks... Q and As, Quizzes, and Exercises test your knowledge... "Did You Know?" tips offer insider advice... "Watch Out!" alerts help you avoid problems. By the time you're finished, you won't just understand core Python concepts: you'll be comfortable writing useful Python software.

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 9, 2013

About the author

Katie Cunningham is a Python and Django developer for Speak Agent
by day, and a technical writer by night. While she had always had an interest in programming, it didn't turn
into a career until she started to work at NASA. There, she slowly
transitioned from gathering requirements to developing full time,
advocating the use of more open source in the government sector.

It was at NASA that she gained an interest in 508 compliance. At
first, she was only interested in getting her applications through QA
faster. Over time, however, she gained a passion for a web that was
easy for everyone to use. Now in the private sector, she is
championing compliance even for websites that don't require it by law.

She currently lives just outside of Washington, DC with her husband and
two children.

Reviews

[Jamie Belanger]

A decent introduction to Python, but definitely a book targeted at beginner programmers. Still, I was able to skim through and get enough of an overview to get started on using Python, and to get a good idea on the capabilities of the language.