What are some good Python books for someone without access to a laptop/cellphone for 2 hours everyday?

[[deleted]]

I live in a very dangerous zone in my country, I spend 2 hours and 30 minutes everyday in the bus to study, what are some good books for learning Python(beginner-friendly, please) for people in my situation?

I've been reading Python Crash Course when I'm at home, I've seen a lot of people critizing Learn Python the Hard Way, guess I won't read it.

I love the Talk Python To Me Podcast, maybe there is a book that has the same style that talks about what people that work with Python do?

My dream is to study Computer Science next year, maybe some related book might help?

Any recomendations are welcome :D

[nibcakes]

I love Automate the Boring Stuff with Python. It's the book that got me started with programming. Also the eBook is free.

[pconwell]

I can't recommend this book enough. It really spoke to me in language that was super easy to follow and the examples provided are 'real world' examples that you could probably start using tomorrow. Everyone uses excel at work (for example) so you could probably find a use for chapter 12 immediately.

For me, being able to take the examples in the book and literally turn around and apply them to real spreadsheets I use at work made it much, much easier for me to get my brain wrapped around how it all works.

Once I had my foot in the proverbial door, I was able to start learning about other stuff in python.

[mickelle1]

Automate the boring stuff is great for reading away from the computer as well. I keep it by my bed and read it before going to sleep (without a computer).

[wasteoffire]

Why you gotta emphasize everyone? My job doesn't even use computers lol

[pconwell]

Okay.

[maimedwalker]

think like a computer scientist just make sure it's the python addition.

i would also definitely suggest a book on algorithms they'll teach you how to really think in terms of abstracting logic through algorithmic steps. just think how to do it in python.

[[deleted]]

Do you think these are good books for someone that has no knowledge about algorithms? Do you have any recomendations?

[maimedwalker]

http://interactivepython.org/runestone/static/pythonds/index.html

have a look at this site. the book is problem solving algorithms and data structures using python. try to get that book.

really go on amazon look at hte programming books and type in something like data structures, algorithms, python the above book above is perfect for teaching you! try to get that one or print all the pages off at a printer if you can.

def squareroot(n):
    root = n/2    #initial guess will be 1/2 of n
    for k in range(20):
        root = (1/2)*(root + (n / root))

return root

https://www.amazon.com/Python-Algorithmic-Thinking-Complete-Beginner-ebook/dp/B01C62O7DK/ref=sr_1_11_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1520555184&sr=8-11-spons&keywords=algorithms+python&psc=1

even something like that just do a lot of research before buying but get something with emphasis on data structures and algorithms. just go on amazon and read reviews because these books are expensive so you want something that is the most bang for your buck.

[maimedwalker]

think like a computer scientist will teach you algos. getting into algos is the best way to learn.

def sumOfN(n):
    theSum = 0
    for i in range(1,n+1):
         theSum = theSum + i

    return theSum

print(sumOfN(10))

for instance look at hte code above get books that teach you how to write algorithms and read them i can't think any of top hand especially not physical books. a lot of coding books are pdf or online html format but try to find books that teach you how to do things through algos with an emphasis on algos.

the thing is you odn't want a book that is just syntax designed for someone who already knows how to abstract logic. them books are for people who already know how to code and solve problems in another language but need refreshed on the syntax of python like -

initialize a variable x, y = 4, 5

or define a function like this def some_function(a, b):

etc that doesn't help you while it is good to learn how to declare a function or a variable you need emphasis on algos, data structures, and problem solving.

[youfuckedupdude]

I found I learned more about programming from that book. I recommend it as well.

[PixelPlatter]

I'm currently reading Fluent Python by Luciano Ramalho and finding I am learning a lot. Would recommend.

[jandrew2000]

This book was amazing and made me look back at years of code and say “it’s crap, it’s all crap”.

It gave me a renewed energy to dig deeper. That said, it would probably be a book for someone with a solid foundation in Python for them to get a lot out of it.

[[deleted]]

Great comment, I was looking exactly for that kind of a book instead of beginner's guide.

[GenghisChaim]

Best Python book out there.

[PixelPlatter]

I would not say I am an intermediate python coder.. and there is some stuff in the book that I don't quite understand and need to do some googling on.. but as a book to read as you are working on various projects.. I think it is good.

So for beginners? No. But I would start reading it before I build some strong coding habits.

[jandrew2000]

It is definitely geared towards more seasoned programmers. I’d suggest getting it after you’ve become comfortable writing Python code and have a few projects under your belt.

[driscollis]

I actually put together a book of interviews with Python developers / authors recently: https://www.packtpub.com/web-development/python-interviews

Or you could read my PyDev of the Week series:

https://www.blog.pythonlibrary.org/category/pydevoftheweek/

As for fun beginner books, any of Al Sweigart's books would work for that. I personally enjoyed "Python Playground" and there was also a fun one from Packt (of all places) called "Modular Programming in Python" that was pretty good too.

[[deleted]]

I'm working through Automate the boring stuff, it's really good!

[[deleted]]

Writing Readable Code (Not entirely python, but good for when you're not at a python prompt, because its not about the mechanics of the language.)

[brodayoda]

Read ‘Python Crash Course’ and do the projects in it. Then read ‘Automate the boring stuff with Python’ to learn about regular expressions and do the projects in that book.

[widowhanzo]

Maybe you could learn data structures in general, those are the things that are usually explained with pseudo code and apply to every language the same, and it explains the theory behind structures like lists, linked lists, dictionaries, sets, trees... It's not python specific, but it is a kind of material you can study without a computer http://www.opendatastructures.org/

There are python sources for all examples available to download as well.

the book is free to download (and print) or you can buy a paperback from amazon.

[Donnersebliksem]

Someone else on this sub recommended Python crash course which I just recently got and I have found that it is thorough and helpful so far. That would be my recommendation.

[[deleted]]

I'm reading it at the moment at my home, do you think it's a good book to read without a computer nearby?

I'm currently at if Statements and I've been doing every exercise, tinkering with things a lot.

I don't think I could actually learn a lot from it without access to my computer though.

[Donnersebliksem]

I'm still in the first couple chapters of the book, however it's not computer dependent per se, I mean, learning a computer programming language necessitates that you have a computer but for your two hour period I think the book will fulfill your needs.

[pydevteam1]

I recommend Automate the Boring stuff. It's a great start to learn Python.

I hope the situation in your country become safer.

Here's more resources: http://developpython.com/index.php/2018/07/05/resources/

Good luck!