Python Books (or not)
Somebody on a mailing list requested suggestions for introductory texts on the Python language. I figured it was worth cross posting my reply here…
I’ve been working with Python regularly for about the last five years. Over that time I haven’t found the need to buy any books on the subject, as there are ample resources online and they tend to be more concise and up to date.
Here is my recommended reading list:
- The “Official” Python Tutorial by Guido van Rossum (the author of Python) – This should get you up to speed in a day.
- The standard library module index
- The Python Style Guide – also by GvR (style matters!)
- The Python Quick Reference – This is the main place I turn to these days; everything on one page and shows differences between Python versions.
- Dive Into Python – if you want some more tutorials
- And don’t forget:
$ python
>>> import this
Beyond this, comp.lang.python is a good place to search and ask questions. Especially keep an eye out for posts by any of the ‘bots’: Tim Peters, Alex Martelli, Fredrik Lundh.