Python is a popular language used in myriad applications and technologies, hence in great demand as a development skill. Here are the six best Python programming books to consider for the Python learning journey.
Skills in Python are in great demand, making it one of the basic skills needed for software development. For an enthusiast, here are the six best Python programming books to consider
Python for Everybody: Exploring Data in Python 3 by Charles Severance
This book is designed to introduce students to Python programming and software development to teach how to explore data. If somebody wishes to start with the fundamentals and learn to solve data problems beyond a spreadsheet’s capability, then look at this book as a tool to help.
It is an excellent book for learning to code, but some may find the range it offers as extensively tricky. One thing to know is that this book has no answer key, so it might take more effort to find answers.
The most significant aspect of ‘Python for Everybody’ is its cost, as the paperback version is inexpensive, and the digital version costs even less!
Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, Edition 2, by Al Sweigart
This one comes from an author that has written many books on Python earlier. It is a typical ‘tutorial’ and perfect for this purpose. The reader can learn to use Python in daily functions like sending email responses or encrypting files. The only issue in the digital version is its formatting, which shows unnecessary indentations in the code. It will be better to get the physical copy.
The reader will learn the basics of programming to automate simple tasks like:
- Filling out online forms without typing
- Moving, renaming and sorting thousands of files
- Having the computer send custom notifications
- Updating or formatting Excel spreadsheets
- Downloading files or copying text from a website whenever it is updated
- Checking the email and replying with prewritten responses
Python: For Beginners by Timothy C. Needham
This book is precisely how its title sounds – a complete guide for beginners in Python. It also mentions itself as an excellent start-off for seasoned coders who are good in other languages. Even though this book is helpful overall, some may find a lack of balance in the presented information as it is too simple for senior developers yet too complex for total beginners.
It does a fine job of explaining the basic stuff with examples. The projects at the end are good exercises for understanding the methods of creating various program types.
Considering the copies, the physical one looks like just a printout of the digital one, so it just doesn’t matter. Also, this book is challenging to comprehend with syntax and spelling errors. Still, it might be good to have it handy, considering its low price.
Python: – The Bible- by Maurice J. Thompson
This book includes 3 Books:
- Python Programming for Beginners – Learn The Basics of Python in 7 Days!
- Python Programming for Intermediates – Learn The Basics of Python in 7 Days!
- Python Programming for Advanced – Learn The Basics of Python in 7 Days!
So, it is made to help both newcomers and advanced developers. With its notes on coding styles, arguments used, and file management within Python, it provides ease of understanding. This book is worth a try due because of the amount of information it has to offer.
Although, like the previously mentioned book, this one also needs better formatting, has typos, and has several broken links on the digital version. It is also very inexpensive, but it’s probably best used as a supplement instead of a full-fledged guide.
Python Programming by Ramsey Hamilton
This book is also suitable for people who want to start from scratch; hence, it is acceptable as an introduction book but has many spelling mistakes and, sadly, much-outdated material.
In this book, one can learn things like setting up the environment, various loop functions, getting programming variables and programs in files loops, lists, dictionaries, tuples in the ‘for’ loop, modules, classes, error handling, file input/output, and much more basics. It is very inexpensive and hence, popular. Currently, the kindle version costs zero. It’s another option to keep by the side due to its price point and ease of reference.
Python Crash Course, Edition 2, by Eric Matthes
The last book on this list truly earns its spot as the number one book when any user outside of a computer science background wants to learn Python. The physical copy generally has a binding quality issue. But, this book provides the proper knowledge to beginners and some to advanced developers.
The example projects mentioned in this book use multiple interesting libraries, but the overall code structure isn’t great. It explains every detail in a slow and patient format, so some may find it time-consuming. But this book has a lot to offer, it might take a long time to comprehend it, but it will help in confidently starting one’s journey with Python.
Choosing the Best Python Programming Books for Language Enthusiasts
Many Python books contain digital and paper, so checking both versions for ease of access and readability with minimum syntactical errors is essential. Depending on whether one is starting at a beginner or advanced level, the choice of books will differ, and sometimes one might have to choose less popular ones to hone the skills further.
Referring to and practicing from different yet suitable books according to the needs will help build and sharpen skills, making it easier to get a job in Python.
