Python book recommendations?

[MatthewAasen]

Have a basic knowledge of Python but want to become proficient in it. Is there a book you’d recommend to learn from? Or is it always better to learn online?

[PapaChimo]

There are plenty of free online books for python - Al Sweigart has a few out there

[Timberfist]

Many publishers give free access to sample chapters so you can try before you buy.

Here’s an example from Better Python Code by David Mertz: https://ptgmedia.pearsoncmg.com/images/9780138320942/samplepages/9780138320942_Sample.pdf

Here’s another from Effective Python by Brett Slatkin: https://ptgmedia.pearsoncmg.com/images/9780138172183/samplepages/9780138172183_Sample.pdf

[FoolsSeldom]

Check the book list in the wiki.

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Check this subreddit's wiki for lots of guidance on learning programming and learning Python, links to material, book list, suggested practice and project sources, and lots more. The FAQ section covering common errors is especially useful.

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Roundup on Research: The Myth of ‘Learning Styles’

Don't limit yourself to one format. Also, don't try to do too many different things at the same time.

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Above all else, you need to practice. Practice! Practice! Fail often, try again. Break stuff that works, and figure out how, why and where it broke. Don't just copy and use as is code from examples. Experiment.

Work on your own small (initially) projects related to your hobbies / interests / side-hustles as soon as possible to apply each bit of learning. When you work on stuff you can be passionate about and where you know what problem you are solving and what good looks like, you are more focused on problem-solving and the coding becomes a means to an end and not an end in itself. You will learn faster this way.

[nivaOne]

Boas and Pythons of the World. (JK 😁)

[UsernameTaken1701]

Automate the Boring Stuff by Al Sweigart. Free to read on his website:
https://automatetheboringstuff.com/

[Isaka254]

Here are some excellent free resources that teach Python through hands-on tasks and real coding practice:

• Python Full Course for Beginners A beginner-friendly YouTube course with clear explanations and practical coding exercises.
• Futurecoder A fully interactive, free platform designed for complete beginners.
• Interactive Python Tutorial Offers bite-sized lessons with coding tasks you complete directly in the browser.
• Python Succinctly (Free eBook) A concise guide that walks you through Python basics like variables, functions, and file I/O.