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Beginning Programming with Python For Dummies, 2nd Edition
The easy way to learn programming fundamentals with Python
Python is a remarkably powerful and dynamic programming language that's used in a wide variety of application domains. Some of its key distinguishing features include a very clear, readable syntax, strong introspection capabilities, intuitive object orientation, and natural expression of procedural code. Plus, Python features full modularity, supporting hierarchical packages, exception-based error handling, and modules easily written in C, C++, Java, R, or .NET languages, such as C#. In addition, Python supports a number of coding styles that include: functional, imperative, object-oriented, and procedural.
Due to its ease of use and flexibility, Python is constantly growing in popularity--and now you can wear your programming hat with pride and join the ranks of the pros with the help of this guide. Inside, expert author John Paul Mueller gives a complete step-by-step overview of all there is to know about Python. From performing common and advanced tasks, to collecting data, to interacting with package--this book covers it all!
Use Python to create and run your first application Find out how to troubleshoot and fix errors Learn to work with Anaconda and use Magic Functions Benefit from completely updated and revised information since the last edition If you've never used Python or are new to programming in general, Beginning Programming with Python For Dummies is a helpful resource that will set you up for success.
Python is a remarkably powerful and dynamic programming language that's used in a wide variety of application domains. Some of its key distinguishing features include a very clear, readable syntax, strong introspection capabilities, intuitive object orientation, and natural expression of procedural code. Plus, Python features full modularity, supporting hierarchical packages, exception-based error handling, and modules easily written in C, C++, Java, R, or .NET languages, such as C#. In addition, Python supports a number of coding styles that include: functional, imperative, object-oriented, and procedural.
Due to its ease of use and flexibility, Python is constantly growing in popularity--and now you can wear your programming hat with pride and join the ranks of the pros with the help of this guide. Inside, expert author John Paul Mueller gives a complete step-by-step overview of all there is to know about Python. From performing common and advanced tasks, to collecting data, to interacting with package--this book covers it all!
Use Python to create and run your first application Find out how to troubleshoot and fix errors Learn to work with Anaconda and use Magic Functions Benefit from completely updated and revised information since the last edition If you've never used Python or are new to programming in general, Beginning Programming with Python For Dummies is a helpful resource that will set you up for success.
392 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
155 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 17, 2018
This book is perfect for people who wish to start learning Python right from scratch. It goes through all of the details from installing Python to learning the syntax. Personally, I already knew Python and was looking for more advanced uses. Lucky for me, at the end of the book it taught more advanced stuff like sending emails! Overall, this book was really useful for me and I would recommend to anyone willing to spend time learning a new language!
April 20, 2019
Very in-depth starter for dummies and not just for them.
January 28, 2021
فصل آخر کتاب بخاطر معرفی منابع بسیار خوب بود
June 1, 2020
Python Programming for Dummies is a book that covers the computer science portion of programming along with the programming itself. For example, there is one section that explains why there are different data types for numbers. The book shows the operators and other basic functions of Python. It mainly focuses on data analysis, but it does show how to do some simple things.
The book uses Jupyter and Anaconda, but I used IDLE. It goes and plays around with code to do simple and interesting things. The book attempts to prepare you for deeper and more involved projects. It mainly does this by introducing best practices. Rather than instructing through a lot of different code examples, the book shows the arguments possible for each basic idea.
Since the book is from the For Dummies series, it explains what the code is supposed to do from line to line. The book also includes a section on how to debug your code and look for errors. In that vein, the book builds on itself. It starts to get good after the third chapter. That is when the book has finished getting everything ready. The end portions of the book focus mainly on Data Manipulation and doing things with Databases. It includes a portion that discusses some famous algorithms such as Naive Bayes and Linear Regression. Finally, the ending chapters discuss different challenges and projects you can take on to improve your skills.
Although the book is from the For Dummies line of books, it does expect you to have some basic knowledge about programming and computers, though it doesn’t trust you enough to know how to search the internet for free programs. It also doesn’t trust the reader enough to think that they know how to install these programs, so it goes step by step telling you how to install the programs used.
The main problem with this book is that there aren’t many examples. On the other hand, it does a pretty good job of building up your foundation.
The book uses Jupyter and Anaconda, but I used IDLE. It goes and plays around with code to do simple and interesting things. The book attempts to prepare you for deeper and more involved projects. It mainly does this by introducing best practices. Rather than instructing through a lot of different code examples, the book shows the arguments possible for each basic idea.
Since the book is from the For Dummies series, it explains what the code is supposed to do from line to line. The book also includes a section on how to debug your code and look for errors. In that vein, the book builds on itself. It starts to get good after the third chapter. That is when the book has finished getting everything ready. The end portions of the book focus mainly on Data Manipulation and doing things with Databases. It includes a portion that discusses some famous algorithms such as Naive Bayes and Linear Regression. Finally, the ending chapters discuss different challenges and projects you can take on to improve your skills.
Although the book is from the For Dummies line of books, it does expect you to have some basic knowledge about programming and computers, though it doesn’t trust you enough to know how to search the internet for free programs. It also doesn’t trust the reader enough to think that they know how to install these programs, so it goes step by step telling you how to install the programs used.
The main problem with this book is that there aren’t many examples. On the other hand, it does a pretty good job of building up your foundation.
March 19, 2022
This was very useful. I had to focus on absorbing as much as I could from the book, so while I do like the way it is written, I had to apply some effort on my part to actually learn programming.
August 11, 2017
Goes into more detail at times than a 'for Dummies" book probably should, including some advanced or uncommonly used topics that beginning programmers may just find confusing. This is both good an bad. It could turn off real beginners, who could become overwhelmed. It does, however, make the book more useful as an ongoing reference. The lists of ten section, in particular, may be beyond the needs of a programmer who is just starting out, but most give a brief intro topics that may allow experienced programmers to extend their knowledge. The provided links allow these topics to be explored in more detail.
This would not be a useful text for teaching the language, as it provides no practice problems for students to complete. Students are instructed to follow along with examples, which are useful for introducing topics and common errors, but do not result in particularly useful finished applications.
This would not be a useful text for teaching the language, as it provides no practice problems for students to complete. Students are instructed to follow along with examples, which are useful for introducing topics and common errors, but do not result in particularly useful finished applications.
January 1, 2024
I have a hard time evaluating this. The information was good for a beginner's intro and there were only 1 or 2 mistakes that were minor. My main complaint was that it seemed to do little with syntax, most chapters/examples being along the lines of "just do it this way, we'll explain later" whereas I prefer knowing more about how the functions work and their use. Certainly, I can get that info from the help files, but I like my manuals to be more in depth on a topic even if they do point me to independent research sources.
February 25, 2025
I’d hoped to learn Python, at least some of the language, from this book. But I found its organization confusing, with a large part of the presentation about general coding practices—which new coders should learn at some point, IDEs, and other things that are not specific to Python. If I was someone who didn’t know any programming languages I would be lost. The Python-specific material is so spread out in this book it was difficult to find.
September 20, 2022
Python Pro
This was a great book on programming Python.
I got a couple small ideas from it, as I am an expert in Python, but it is the small things that can greatly improve your workflows.
I enjoyed the coding examples and ideas.
4.1/5
This was a great book on programming Python.
I got a couple small ideas from it, as I am an expert in Python, but it is the small things that can greatly improve your workflows.
I enjoyed the coding examples and ideas.
4.1/5
July 6, 2021
Reviewing about a technical book is not a good idea but online courses are much more fun.
January 19, 2024
Definitely not for dummies, only got the basics down. Gives me great satisfaction that most coding will be worthless in a fully digitalized AI future workplace.
December 3, 2024
Trying to learn a new programming language. As with any activity you have to put the time into it.
February 8, 2017
Great use of analogies when explaining elements of coding.
March 15, 2017
Special thanks for providing information on additional useful resources!
November 15, 2019
So, this book was okay for absolute beginners. But if you want to learn how to really program in Python, you can do it better watching Youtube videos. Honestly, I found John Mueller's approach a little tiresome and simplistic. Still, if you have never programmed before, ever, this is a good place to get your feet wet because it introduces you to a lot of key concepts. All I am saying is that if you really are serious about creating apps in Python, or doing a host of other things with it, then don't make this your only source of information.
April 21, 2018
I liked the 10 python libraries I need to know, and the jobs that you can get as a python programmer
sections. I liked learning about how to handle exceptions with python. I also liked learning about how to use anaconda better. I also liked that you can download code from the books website so you don't have to type it in if you don't want to. Now all I need to do is wrote lots and lots and lots of python code. I have also read the authors book on machine learning and I liked that book also.
sections. I liked learning about how to handle exceptions with python. I also liked learning about how to use anaconda better. I also liked that you can download code from the books website so you don't have to type it in if you don't want to. Now all I need to do is wrote lots and lots and lots of python code. I have also read the authors book on machine learning and I liked that book also.
February 17, 2016
This is a good book for beginners learning programming, or learning python. It is written pretty well, and easy to understand. Beginners will probably be able to install python and run 100% of the example code with great results, and understand what they see, so it will build their confidence and encourage them to keep learning.
November 29, 2021
Il n'y a pas d'ordre dans ce livre-là comme il faut. Il existe des exemples sans commencer à expliquer et sans faire assez d'exercices en procédant par étapes. Quand il n'y a un bon ordre dans un livre l'apprentissage ne devient pas assez efficace.
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June 10, 2016I don't remember how long ago I used this, but I felt it was very strong in the fundamentals. I still refer to it sometimes when I forget something silly.
December 13, 2019
I had to abandon this book because it is not the current edition. I bought the second edition for my Kindle app and am now using that one instead.
August 25, 2019
Très mal vulgarisé. L’auteur n’arrive pas à être concret, ni à nous initier de façon progressive. Arrivé à la moitié du livre, on n’a toujours rien appris vraiment.
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April 22, 2019Location: PTI IRC
Accession No: DL030689
Accession No: DL030689
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