You need this book because you need to learn Python. There are
lots of reasons why you need to learn Python. Here are a few.
-
You need a programming language which is easy to read and has
a vast library of modules focused on solving the problems you're
faced with.
-
You saw an article about Python specifically, or dynamic
languages in general, and want to learn more.
-
You're starting a project where Python will be used or is in
use.
-
A colleague has suggested that you look into Python.
-
You've run across a Python code sample on the web and need to
learn more.
Python reflects a number of growing trends in software
development, putting it at or near the leading edge of good programming
languages. It is a very simple language surrounded by a vast library of
add-on modules. It is an open source project, supported by many
individuals. It is an object-oriented language, binding data and
processing into class definitions. It is a platform-independent,
scripted language, with complete access to operating system
API's. It supports integration of complex solutions
from pre-built components. It is a dynamic language, which avoids many
of the complexities and overheads of compiled languages.
This book is a complete presentation of the Python language. It is
oriented toward learning, which involves accumulating many closely
intertwined concepts. In our experience teaching, coaching and doing
programming, there is an upper limit on the “clue absorption
rate”. In order to keep within this limit, we've found that it
helps to present a language as ever-expanding layers. We'll lead you
from a very tiny, easy to understand subset of statements to the entire
Python language and all of the built-in data structures. We've also
found that doing a number of exercises helps internalize each language
concept.
Three Faces of a Language. There are three facets to a programming language: how you write
it, what it means, and the additional practical considerations that
make a program useful. While many books cover the syntax and semantics
of Python, in this book we'll also cover the pragmatic considerations.
Our core objective is to build enough language skills that good
object-oriented design will be an easy next step.
The syntax of a language is often covered
in the language reference manuals. In the case of relatively simple
languages, like Python, the syntax is simple, and is covered in the
Python Language tutorial that is part of the basic installation kit.
We'll provide additional examples of language syntax. For people new to
programming, we'll provide additional tips focused on the newbie.
The semantics of the language can be a bit
more slippery than the syntax. Some languages involve obscure or unique
concepts that make it difficult to see what a statement really means. In
the case of languages like Python, which have extensive additional
libraries, the burden is doubled. First, one has
to learn the language, then one has to learn the libraries. The number
of open source packages made available by the Python
community can increase the effort required to understand an
entire architecture. The reward, however, is high-quality software based
on high-quality components, with a minimum of development and
integration effort.
Many languages offer a number of tools that can accomplish the
same basic task. Python is no exception. It is often difficult to know
which of many alternatives performs better or is easier to adapt. We'll
try to focus on showing the most helpful approach, emphasizing
techniques that apply for larger development efforts. We'll try to avoid
quick and dirty solutions that are only appropriate
when learning the language.
