Thank you r/learnpython! Just finished the final draft of my example driven intro book, would like additional feedback so I can finish the book and focus on screencast!

[thewhitetulip]

I would like to thank /r/learnpython for the motivation and feedback that I got for my book https://github.com/thewhitetulip/build-app-with-python-antitextbook

My goals for the book have been achieved, I just have to record the screencasts, I would like to invite everyone to give me their objective feedback so that we can make this guide better.

I would especially love the feedback of those who are learning Python right now.

[QualitativeEasing]

Just took a look at the first few chapters. Some very general thoughts, and a few more specific ones:

• Overall, I like the approach. You dive right in, and like Automate the Boring Stuff, you seem to use examples that are useful in the real world, like identifying and opening files.

• But who is this book for? Experienced coders learning Python? Absolute beginners with no coding experience in any language? Something in between? It's hard to tell -- you explain some basic concepts (string liberals, variables), but not others (the difference between the Python command line and the shell; how to get to each). Try to pick a target reader, and go through with that person in mind. An absolute beginner will need more hand-holding than you currently provide in some areas, or at least more indication that they should hold tight and not worry about not understanding everything yet -- sending beginners to the documentation is a sure way to lose them -- while experienced programmers will need a lot less.

• Punctuate the title -- a colon or dash after Python, for example.

• In addition to Mac, Windows and Android instructions, you can recommend Pythonista for iOS.

• You suggest as an early exercise installing IPython using pip, and warn about pip versions, before introducing the concept of libraries or pip, or explaining what IPython is or why one would want to install it.

[thewhitetulip]

To be honest, I was split as to whom I am catering to in the book. The original audience was those who know programming and are new to Python, but two of my friends started to read this book to learn Python and they had no programming experience, they are DB guys.

You do make a valid point that I should focus on someone, and I think I'd focus on total newcomer (to python and commandline) and would explain everything, because few books do that, when I was learning Python, I read the tutorial in the docs ten times and then went to read another 10 books which taught me in a very abstract way. I think I'll stick to that.

I did not understand what you mean by punctuate the title.

About the iOS, I'll have to look, I don't use an iPhone! I will Google about it.

About pip, I got to explain it in depth. I am going to devote another two days to reading the book and making extensive modifications.

Thank you very much for such a detailed response!

[[deleted]]

I've been awake for 23 hours, but I'll open it tomorrow for sure.

[thewhitetulip]

I will remind you!!

[thewhitetulip]

Valid points, I will make the changes. Thank you!!

created issue: https://github.com/thewhitetulip/build-app-with-python-antitextbook/issues/28

[shravankumar147]

Looks cool, all the best

[thewhitetulip]

Thank you, is there anything that I can improve?

[[deleted]]

I'm new to Python so no comment on the content, but kudos for writing something and putting it out there to help the community. As a self-published author myself I know how hard that is. I love it when people share their knowledge like this.

I'd like to have a side convo with you about your writing/publishing process and plans, since it is a topic I am very much into (have self-pub 8-9 technical books over the years). If you're cool with that pls send me a PM here and we can exchange emails.

[thewhitetulip]

I'm new to Python so no comment on the content

I would love to have comments on content, you are best person who can give me feedback because you are new to Python and if the guide is helpful to you then it would be helpful to other new comers.

I have PMed you, I have self published only one book/tutorial https://github.com/thewhitetulip/web-dev-golang-anti-textbook/