Book Progression!?!?
 

Hello everyone,

I just went out and bought my first Python books. What do you think about this book progression from a learning stand point of new programmer. Learning Python Second Edition by Lutz then Programming Python Third Edition by Lutz and then having the Python Pocket Reference Third Edition.

One thing that slightly worries me is that Learning python is on 2.3 and the reference manual is on 2.4 while 2.5 is out :/

Perhaps it would of been wise to wait on the Pocket Reference for a new edition? Anyways I have these books now, not sure on Borders return policies, but if I could get some recommendations or if these books serve me well then ill stick to them.

Thanks,
--Nate

I read "How to Think Like A Computer Scientist" for Python. It's great for beginners. If you are a programmer than "Dive into Python" is for you. Because book of these books are FREE! No cost!

How to Think Like A Computer Scientist - Python
http://greenteapress.com/thinkpython/

Dive into Python
http://www.diveintopython.org/

Both of these books can be downloaded in varies formats, even my favorite, the .pdf. I would return those books and read these instead!

Hmm Interesting, I have always thought I should try to get my information free. However, I usually have a tough time with reading from PDFs, perhaps it is something you just get use to. Anyways, thanks for the suggestions, didn't realize there where those free books. Do you think the Pocket Reference is worth keeping?

Thanks for the quick response, I just started this thread ^^;

I learned Python from Dive into Python (free online). It is, however, intended for fairly experienced programmers.

I mean I have "SQL Pocket Reference" but I have never programmed in SQL once before! I know it might but useful one day but still I don't regret buying it. I know more Java than any other language and if I tend to forget something, I bring back my notes, (yes I write down everything I learn about programming) and review through it.

There isn't that much difference between minor releases; and so far as I recall, 2.5 is backwards compatable with 2.3. The main improvements since 2.3 have been generator expressions, the "with" statement and the bidirectional yield statement. Whilst these are all nice features, it probably won't take you too long to learn about them once you know 2.3.

I agree. Just because the book may be centered around previous versions does not mean it will not be useful. You will still learn the foundation and concepts that are still used in the newer versions.

http://www.freecomputerbooks.com/

I am considering taking reggaeton_king's advice and returning these books. However, I do like having a physical book in front of me. Are these books good books to have in general? Or should I return it and get me a hard copy of the book that reggaeton_king has recommended?

Thanks,
--Nate

I have about 30 books on my bookself! I don't regret buying most of them but I usually read them when I go somewhere traveling or where I know I'd be bored. I feel, I need to practice out the examples from a book in order to fully understand whats going on.

Dive into Python is really good. I havent read all of it but some. I read reviews before reading the book. I like to get a feedback on what other think before I start.

I'm a fan of physical books myself, but then I realized the space they consume... so I've started packing in eBooks.

Here are some pictures from when I lived in an apartment:http://www.jasonpowers.net/books.html

I have since moved into a house, expanded my collection and have created a "library" out of one room. Recently, I've decided to read a chapter a day... in a nontechnical and technical book.