Amazon.co.uk Review
Completely revised and improved, the second edition of
Programming Python is an excellent compendium of material geared toward the more knowledgeable Python developer, including dozens of reusable scripts for common scripting tasks. It is one of the best available sources of information for this popular object-oriented scripting language.
In over 1,200 pages of material, this book offers an extremely comprehensive guide to Python development. Though densely packed with information, Lutz is a lively and witty writer whose focus is on getting things done using the natural strengths of the Python language. To that end, after an introduction and history of the language, the book describes how to use Python for performing automated tasks with files and directories (for example, for doing backups, both locally and on Web servers). Not only will this book teach you more about Python, it will also give you a library of code that you can use as is, or adapt for your own projects.
The text covers every conceivable facet of Python and its support for networking, files and directories, task management and even persistence (through its support for shelves). Complete Python programs show how to create e-mail clients, do reporting, and create Web applications (for an online errata database). Chapters on doing graphics programming in Python, as well as coverage of both built-in and custom data structures, are especially good. Because Python is often used for automating installations (in some Linux distributions, for instance), readers will appreciate the sample code and tips for using Python to create bulletproof installs.
Later sections show how get Python to work with C, Java (through JPython) and other languages. The book concludes with useful reference sections summarising key aspects of Python, such as its revision history, relationship to C++ and other material. There aren't many titles on Python, and fans of this up-and-coming language are lucky to have such a solid tutorial and guide available in Programming Python. Perfect for those with just a little previous exposure to the language, it's all you need to master Python in depth and tap its considerable power for virtually any software project. --Richard Dragan
--This text refers to the
CD-ROM
edition.
Review
"It's the industry standard publication on Python, but don't be put off if you're a beginner. It takes a lot of shelf space, but it's worth it!" .NET, February 2007
by Mark Lutz
by Alex Martelli
by Mark Lutz
by Wesley Chun
by Tony Stubblebine
