book on python

amitash · 11-02-2009, 10:07 PM

Please suggest a good book for learning python..I am a beginner and I want to learn it from scratch...Also I want to start with gui's after Im done with learning the other parts and I want to know which kit to use with it like QT or Tkinter...Please suggest books for these too.

QwertyManiac · 11-02-2009, 10:16 PM

If you're willing to buy a book in hard-copy now, do get Core Python Programming, Second Edition - Wesley J. Chun. Its written for Python versions up to 2.5. (2.6 is not much different, but 3.0 is VERY different and non-backwards compatible)

For a free e-book instead, get Swaroop C.H.'s A Byte of Python.

As for the GUI part, I suggest using the Nokia's Qt Software (PyQt4 by Riverbank Computing, for the Python version). Its really easy to get going with, having its base set in Object Oriented development methods.

Tkinter is old, I'm not sure if you would enjoy it, though its pretty simple.

amitash · 12-02-2009, 10:20 AM

Thanks....But will the first book ou suggested hinder my progress as its not for python 3.0?

Liverpool_fan · 12-02-2009, 11:05 AM

I would suggest O'Reilly's Learning Python by Mark Lutz.
But currently you have for 2.x version. But it prepares the reader for Python 3.
Python 3 would also take some time to become mainstream, even though it's released, so I suggest you learn Python 2.x at this time.
And when Python 3 becomes mainstream, there would be some differences which you refer through the internet. Though it's backward incompatible but it is same in terms of philosophy and thinking.

Also Free Books:
Dive into Python http://www.diveintopython.org/ (for experienced programmers)
A Byte of Python http://www.swaroopch.com/notes/Python - Also has Python 3 version
Python Think like a Computer Scientist http://openbookproject.net/thinkCSpy/index.xhtml

Also look here:
http://wiki.python.org/moin/PythonBooks
http://learnpython.pbwiki.com/

Good Luck with your python adventure

amitash · 12-02-2009, 07:29 PM

Thanks for the advice..i guess i will start with "a byte of python" now

QwertyManiac · 12-02-2009, 09:52 PM

There's not so many changes. A trip to the official Python documentation pages will give you all you need to know about... everything!

kin.vachhani · 17-02-2009, 08:40 AM

byte of python is good book to start with..then u can also try python cook book...

abhinandh · 18-02-2009, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QwertyManiac

If you're willing to buy a book in hard-copy now, do get Core Python Programming, Second Edition - Wesley J. Chun. Its written for Python versions up to 2.5. (2.6 is not much different, but 3.0 is VERY different and non-backwards compatible)

+1 for that book. me too got started a month back using that book.
The LPE costed me Rs.950/-