Python Programming for Beginners: An Introduction to the Python Computer Language and Computer Programming (Python, Python 3, Python Tutorial)
R**A
Very Good for beginners
Simple and easy to follow examples and good exercises to practice the skills taught. I would recommend this book to anyone.
J**N
Good reasonable text
A pretty simple text that is easy to read with good examples. Easy reading and addresses most aspects of using Python productively.
A**K
Good start, too much missed to be of value
It is not a really a bad book. It does tell something about Python and does have examples, but it have a number of weaknesses that make this book hardly useful for the majority of prospective buyers given that there are many better books in all aspects.First, it is a very incomplete treatment of Python with a rather arbitrary selected subset of topics present. For examples, almost nothing about text processing that is Python very important strengths. Not even a chapter on strings. Second, the treatment of topics is very terse, every new concept is illustrated by very few examples, usually one, that frequently shows only one aspect to it. That keeps the book very small, but I am not sure it is a benefit. Third, all examples are illustrative - they show how concepts work. There are no larger examples that show meaningful programs demonstrating how Python could be used for solving problems. This kind of larger examples is a cornerstone of any good programming course, especially for beginners. Finally, the mechanics of Python interpretation, the deal with references, parameter passing, etc. that are critical to understand how Python works and how it is different from languages like Java or C# - not even presented. Due to issues 2 and 3, it is not a good book for beginners. Too terse, too few examples. It is still a reasonable book for those who know well 2-3 languages and want to see what Python does, but for the reason 1 and 4 it is not doing a good service for these readers as well. Well, if you know 2-3 languages and need just a quick glimpse of what Python is - and the price for Kindle is just right for that. For all other reasons, seek a different book.I think, it is a good start that could be extended into a really good book, it is just so far only 1/2 of this good book, maybe 1/3.
B**T
Excellent introduction to Python3
I wrote my first line of code, in ForTran77, in 1986. I've written a pretty good bit of code since then in a variety of languages. This is an excellent primer if you want to learn Python3 syntax. For those that have never written any code...this should still be pretty easy for you. The coding examples are straightforward.As with any book on language syntax, there is errata in this one. Unlike other people who complain about errata in text books like this one, I don't. Debugging is part of code-writing. It's hard for new people today, just as it was hard on new people when I first start writing code almost 30 years ago. It is monumentally frustrating if you're new, but it's the price you must pay if you want to learn this skill.Don't be discouraged with the book's errata, or your own mistakes. Part of your learning curve is understanding what the interpreters error messages mean when you execute your scripts.The author walks you through installation (for Windows, Mac, and Linux), modifying your path variable (don't worry if you don't know what that is), and executing simple scripts.If you're completely new to coding, or have lots of experience, this is a great intro to the basics of Python.
K**N
Good primer, but not a deep dive
I like the book, but I don't love it. I have some previous programming experience, but not a lot. This is a brief primer and that's it. If you're looking for a book that goes into detail around computer programming concepts and best practices, this isn't the one for you. It is a good starter for trying out Python, though.The book provides a very nice explanation of what software and settings are needed to program in Python and gets the reader programming quickly. The online resources are very valuable and worth downloading. The author doesn't take a deep dive into Python, but as a primer, that's not really the purpose.I made the mistake of purchasing the Audible version before buying the book. The Audible version isn't helpful unless you're visually impaired. (The narrator reads the book word-for-word, which makes it difficult for the typical listener to follow.)
D**E
Python, Isn't That a Snake?
Let me preface this review with the fact that I know nothing about computer programming. I have heard of Python, but that is all.Python Programming for Beginners by Jason Cannon is a well written, concise lesson for a Python beginner. I appreciated the links included throughout the book, as well as the reviews at the end of each chapter.The practice programs he writes out are easy to understand, as well as simple to keep the learning process uncomplicated.I do wish, as a non-programmer, that his conclusion was put in the front of the book, as an explanation of what Python is and what it is used for. It would have been good to know first instead of last. But the completeness of it on the whole was excellent.I would recommend this book to anyone looking to learn about Python, as it is a simple to understand introduction to the program.
K**R
Learn Python
It is not an accident that Python is usually the first language taught to young programmers. I am sure someone could find something to criticize about this book. I personally believe this is the best first book about Python that I could have found. It needs to be studied but it is easy to understand. I give it 5 stars.
A**M
A Book Definitely Worth Checking Out!
The first and last time I wrote code was back in 1997, out of sheer necessity. But too many years have gone by since then and recently I found myself wanting to re-learn this lost skill. When I came across this little book, I was intrigued! I knew I was going to need a lot of help, because whatever I learned way back when was in the too far distant past and it was just like I was a beginner all over again. This book is perfect for someone like me! I need every step explained in simple terms and everything laid out for me, making no assumptions about my previous knowledge. I love the fact that the author includes screenshots and is so thorough with every step. It is obvious that this author knows his subject well and wants his reader to learn it also. At this price, you can't go wrong with this book! Highly recommended if you want to learn Python programming!
F**E
A Mighty Good Place to Start.
Mr. Cannon is very good at what he does. What he does is nothing short of magnificent.
R**S
El mejor inicio
Si estás buscando iniciar con Python este es tu libro. La narrativa sucinta y ejemplificada, además de los breves repasos, lo hacen muy útil al momento de aprender la sintaxis y estructura de Python.
I**L
Only half way through
So far I’m actually understanding this book I thought for sure I would not have any clue but have learnt a lot so far!
J**S
Ótimo livro pra quem está começando.
Se você não sabe nada de Python esse é o livro ideal, sem rodeios, vai direto ao ponto, excelente custo/benefício.
J**S
Very basic but good and quick primer
Very basic but good and quick primer. Good enough to get someone started on a first python script, which is the point of the book.
Trustpilot
3 weeks ago
3 days ago