Python Books For Beginners
Thursday, 18 June 2015
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Python Books For Beginners
Python For Programmers and Kids

Programmers new to Python

So far the books included have been intended for the classroom or other formal educational setting. Now we turn our attention to other books for beginner's starting with  books for those who already program in another language.

The Quick Python Book 2nd Ed

Author: Vern L. Ceder
Publisher: Manning, 2010
Pages: 400
Print: 978-1935182207
Rating: 4.5
Reviewer: Mike James

This is the second edition of a book on Python whose only real problem was that it wasn't quite up-to-date. The second edition cures this problem by converting to Python 3 and includes a new chapter on converting from Python 2 to 3. It takes a fairly standard approach to teaching a programming language in which everything is spelled out in easy to follow English. 

 

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At the end of his review Mike James justifies his rating of 4.5 with: 

If you know a little bit of programming in another language and want to learn Python then this is a good choice that will take you from the beginning to very near the end of your Python development.

 

Python 101

Author: Michael Driscoll
Publisher: Michael Driscoll, 2014
Pages: 238
ISBN: 978-0996062817
Rating: 4
Reviewer: Sue Gee

This book, from Mike Driscoll who reviews Python titles for I Programmer, was written in response to requests from readers of his Python blog. It consists of 40 short chapters and  is essentially a hands-on introduction to Python and not a book to curl up with or read on your commute. There is enough of information for you to follow it with typing everything in – but if you are a beginner actually entering and running the snippets of code will make it stick all the quicker. 

 

 

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Although aimed at beginners it is likely to suit best those who have already gained some familiarity with Python and Computer Science in general from say a MOOC or those who have encountered another programming language. The book also has some more advanced material that will be welcomed by intermediate level readers.   

Python for Kids

Author: Jason R. Briggs
Publisher: No Starch Press
Pages: 344
ISBN: 978-1593274078
Rating: 4
Reviewed by: Mike Driscoll

With the subtitle "A Playful Introduction to Programming", this is a very readable and the author does a good job of breaking the language down for his readership, especially for the first half of the book. By the time we reach classes, however, it seems more like a regular beginner book and not one that’s for kids necessarily. Even so, the chapters are short and to the point and they have exercises at the end of each one. The author uses the turtle library in some examples in an attempt to make things more interesting and accessible to young readers.

 
https://www.i-programmer.info/administrator/index.php?option=com_content&sectionid=-1&task=edit&cid[]=8699#

 After a detailed look at the contents Mike Driscoll concludes:

If you have a high schooler (or a very brainy middle schooler) then this book might be for your kid! I think this book would also be good as an introductory text on Python in college or just for someone trying to pick up the language. It has a couple of rough edges, but I think those are easy enough to overlook.

 

Hello World! Computer Programming for Kids and Other Beginners

Author: Warren and Carter Sande
Publisher: Manning, 2013
Pages: 435
ISBN: 978-1617290923
Rating: 5
Reviewer: Sue Gee

Our final selection is the second edition of a book that has remained in second place in our most popular book reviews list for a long time. Its aim is to introduce computer programming to a young audience using Python as its teaching language. Its authors are a father and son team who make the experience of learning to program an enjoyable one.

Although written in a child-friendly style it has proved popular with beginners of all ages. It adopts a logical approach and presents clear explanations backed up by well chosen examples.

 

hwkids

Our review is of the first edition and, giving at a full 5-star endorsement it concludes:

This book is a very good introduction to programming and can be recommended to anyone, young or old, who wants to start learning this vital and highly enjoyable skill.

 

 

 

 

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Fundamentals of Database Management Systems

Author: Dr. Mark L. Gillenson
Publisher: Wiley
Pages: 416
ISBN:978-1119907466
Print:1119907462
Audience: Database managers
Rating: 3
Reviewer: Kay Ewbank

This book is aimed at people taking a one-semester course in database management as part of their larger information systems management course. As suc [ ... ]



Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software 2nd Ed

Top Book 2023
Author: Charles Petzold
Publisher: Microsoft Press
Date: August 2022
Pages: 480
ISBN: 978-0137909100
Print: 0137909101
Kindle: B0B123P5GV
Audience: General
Rating: 5
Reviewer: Mike James
Code! We all need to know about it.


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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 27 February 2019 )