Python

by Chris Fehily

Named after the Monty Python comedy troupe, Python is an interpreted, open-source, object-oriented programming language. It's also free and runs portably on Windows, Mac OS, Unix, and other operating systems. Python can be used for all manner of programming tasks, from CGI scripts to full-fledged applications. It is gaining popularity among programmers in part because it is easier to read (and hence, debug) than most other programming languages, and it's generally simpler to install, learn, and use. Its line structure forces consistent indentation. Its syntax and semantics make it suitable for simple scripts and large programs. Its flexible data structures and dynamic typing allow you to get a lot done in a few lines. To learn it, you'll need is some basic programming experience and a copy of Visual QuickStart Guide. In patented Visual QuickStart Guide fashion, the book doesn't just tell you how to use Python to develop applications, it shows you, breaking Python into easy-to-digest, step-by-step tasks and providing example code. Visual QuickStart Guide emphasizes the core language and libraries, which are the building blocks for programs. Author Chris Fehily starts with the basics - expressions, statements, numbers, strings - then moves on to lists, dictionaries, functions, and modules before wrapping things up with straightforward discussions of exceptions and classes. Some additional topics covered Object-oriented programming- Working in multiple operating systems- Structuring large programs- Comparing Python to C, Perl, and Java- Handling errors gracefully.

Genres: Programming

440 pages, Paperback

First published November 5, 2001

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and simple introduction into Python. I've been writing a tiny bit of this stuff lately, but this was a great overview of the general concepts.

This would even make a great introduction to programming to first time programmers since each page is split vertically into code and explanation. Explains basic programming concepts and even Object Oriented Programming.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. I like how it gives examples. But not as real-world as I would have preferred (vs. their PHP/MySQL book, for example). Oh well.

[Rod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Direct and to the point, not full of blather.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strictly for reference, don't expect any exercises in long examples.