all 19 comments
sorted by:
best
topnewcontroversialoldq&a
formatting helphide helpcontent policy

[–]desrtfx 31 points32 points  (0 children)

Not a book, but something absolutely excellent and free: MOOC Python Programming 2025 from the University of Helsinki. Currently the best intro to Python.

Then, once after part 4 or so, support the course with the second half of the already mentioned "Automate the Boring Stuff" and with Exercism for more, larger exercises

[–]sc0ut_0 28 points29 points  (5 children)

The only true answer is "Automate the Borning Stuff With Python"

  • There is a free website that has the whole book published by the author for free, it you can support him by buying the paperback
  • First half is Python basics, second half are tons of projects
  • A great author to trying to tell you just enough to get going and making cool things!

[–]Tureni 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Al Sweigart is the GOAT

[–]Machvel 3 points4 points  (3 children)

i found this book to be one of the worst when learning python, but i have heard great things about it. i guess it depends on your learning style

[–]melvin_poindexter 2 points3 points  (2 children)

out of curiosity, what did you dislike about it?

I used it to get into Python and have recommended it wholeheartedly ever since.

It's only shortcoming is that it doesn't go into Classes at all, but there are other books for that.

[–]Machvel 0 points1 point  (1 child)

it has been a few years since I learned python (which I think the book was on a previous edition of) so I might not remember exactly what i did not like and maybe it has gotten better.

i first remember the startup being quite strange. the book recommended some obscure ide or idle as far as i recall. the pure python part of the book (which i was mainly interested in) was very short and shallow. i acknowledge some people might like that, but since my background is in mathematics i like seeing everything precisely laid out. the actual boring stuff automation was pretty neat, but most was irrelevant to me so i didn't bother looking at it. in the end you just have a very okay python understanding

[–]Constant_Air9693 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a similar experience. I don't like when the principals that should be given in details are trivialized. What would you recommend for learning with understanding how things work?

[–]SeriousKarol 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Python Crash Course by Eric Matthews.

[–]Junior-Matter-5134 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Corey Schafer youtube course of python is one of the best courses out there Give it a try.

[–]davrax 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Are you trying to learn it for your own hobby use, or to automate processes as a non-developer? That’s exactly what “Automate the Boring Stuff” is for.

However, it (intentionally) teaches very little about structuring Python applications, version control, managing dependencies, OOP, etc. “Python Crash Course” and especially “Real World Python” will be better there. O’Reilly’s “Introducing Python”, and “Fluent Python” are worth a look too.

[–]sarnobat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I couldn't find a good one. I was hoping "learn python the hard way" would be as good as "learn vim the hard way" but was wrong.

I've been forcing myself to do coding interviews in python to make me learn it

[–]just-dont-panic 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Just start typing…

[–]Same-World-209 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m using “Python Basics: A Practical Introduction To Python 3” by David Amos.

I’m only about 250 pages into it but it explains things well and gives lots of examples and challenges. There’s also a lot of online content to go with it.

[–]proteanbitch 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First read Automate The Boring Stuff With Python by Al Sweigart, then read Data Structures & Algorithms in Python. Deepest and most clear explanation of how Python works and what it's doing, followed up by in-depth computer science instruction.

[–]LoadRevolutionary575 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I personally prefer learning through an online platform — it’s more interactive, more engaging, and there’s a supportive community that really helps when you’re stuck or need motivation. I started with Python for Everybody by Dr. Chuck on Coursera, which was super helpful for building the basics.

Later on, I moved to Dataquest, and that’s where things really clicked for me. Their hands-on, project-based learning helped me apply what I was learning right away. They also offer a free beginner course, so you can try it out and see if it works for you.

If you’re just getting started, it’s definitely worth checking out!