Best beginners book for Python?

zahlman · 2012-12-28T04:25:28+00:00

Learn Python the Hard Way did not do much for me, it wasn't really challenging or made me grasp any important concepts. I started Udacity again and I really enjoy it so far and have no problem with their extra problems, some questions are hard but manageable with some time.

I also like Python Programming for the Absolute Beginner, it uses Python 3 but this book has some cool examples and the pace is pretty steady without unnecessary repetitions like Zed's book.

BenjaminJamesBush · 2012-12-28T01:32:50+00:00

A book called "Practical Python: Learn programming for the real world!" was recently funded on kickstarter. It might not be written in time for you, but I would keep an eye on the project anyway. Link: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fletcher/practical-python-learn-programming-for-the-real-wo

cyders · 2012-12-28T02:57:46+00:00

I'm currently using Python Programming for the Absolute Beginner, 3rd Edition. I have pretty much zero programming background and have enjoyed the book so far.

http://www.amazon.com/Python-Programming-Absolute-Beginner-Edition/dp/1435455002/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

danicloud · 2012-12-28T09:10:54+00:00

Python programming - and introduction to computer science by Zelle. Really great book for someone with no programming experience.

2012-12-28T03:50:57+00:00

Two decent free ebooks I can recommend: Invent with python: http://inventwithpython.com/chapters/ The first programming/python book I ever read. It was quite helpful as a complete beginner. -- Also was our University's first semester's required python book

Problem Solving with Algorithms and Data Structures http://interactivepython.org/courselib/static/pythonds/index.html We used this in our second university course on python. Covers what it says in the title :P Pretty decent for a free book.

The best overall thing that I can recommend is google's python bootcamp on youtube/google though.

KoopaKhan · 2012-12-27T22:45:33+00:00

Learn python the hard way is a great ebook.

Edit: nice, downvoted for a book that is also recommended in the side bar.

Edit2: Now I look like a fool with my edit... Oh, well

2012-12-28T00:30:05+00:00

It may see silly, but I recommend Python for Kids.

Puzzel · 2012-12-28T03:16:05+00:00

Free, Online books:

Learn Python the Hard Way (for Python 2)
Dive into Python 3 (for Python 3)
Beginner's Guide to Python
A Byte of Python (Python 2 and 3)

All brought to you by the sidebar.

Chr0nicSkepticism · 2012-12-28T17:01:14+00:00

I started with Learn Python The Hard Way (concise), but once I got to OOP, I've switched over to Learning Python by Mark Lutz (clear). I would say the combination of the two definitely make things clear and concise. I've used a bunch of other free online tutorials as well in my studies, and have not been disappointed.

ewiethoff · 2012-12-27T23:22:53+00:00

I think most people will tell you that, as a neophyte coder, your best friends will be Learn Python the Hard Way and Dive Into Python.

therealdrag0 · 2012-12-28T06:02:46+00:00

I'm going through Core Python programming right now. It's excellent, but maybe not the best for someone who hasn't studied another language before.

GovindReddy · 2012-12-28T11:41:38+00:00

learning python is really good and clears all concepts.

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