“Python Crash Course” by Eric Matthes is one of the most popular resources for learning Python, especially for beginners. Now in its third edition, this book aims to help new programmers get up and running with Python quickly through a hands-on, project-based approach.
You can find “Python Crash Course” by author Eric Matthes on your favourite bookstore, including Amazon.com and Amazon UK.
The book covers Python fundamentals like data types, control flow, functions, and object-oriented programming. It also includes three major projects to apply your skills – simple games, data visualizations, and web applications. The hands-on focus makes it engaging for new coders.
Eric Matthes is an experienced Python trainer and author of bestselling Python books. He designed “Python Crash Course” to teach Python through real-world examples and projects that keep readers motivated. His passion is making programming accessible for everyone.
“Python Crash Course” contains 20 chapters organized into two major sections – Basics and Projects. The Basics cover core concepts and syntax while the Projects help cement knowledge through hands-on coding. The author also provides guidance on where to go, once the last chapter is reached. Overall, a well-structured path for beginners.
This book excels at teaching Python in a beginner-friendly way through numerous examples, exercises, and a light-hearted teaching style.
Each chapter includes various exercises and small challenges to practice new skills. These let you get hands-on immediately to reinforce your learning. Some challenges get creative, like customizing a pizza ordering program.
The book covers enough Python fundamentals to get from zero to reasonably proficient. The pace is brisk but digestible.
The basics of Python syntax and commonly used data types like strings, numbers, and booleans are covered well. Helpful visuals aid memory. You get exposure to Python peculiarities like significant whitespace.
Control flow statements like conditionals and loops are explained clearly with examples. Functions are introduced early, stressing the importance of reusable, modular code. Both concepts are crucial for any Python programmer.
Classes and objects in Python are covered to a basic level, including inheritance. While not comprehensive, this gives a taste of object-oriented techniques to spur further learning.
The projects are the most valuable part of the book, allowing you to apply knowledge to build impressive programs.
Walkthroughs guide you in building classic games like a text adventure and simple side-scroller. These are engaging first projects that get you thinking programmatically.
Charts and graphs like line plots, scatterplots, and bar charts are created hands-on from real data sets. This builds data literacy.
A project on building a simple web app with Django introduces web development concepts. Creating visible applications keeps things fun.
This book excels as a first Python resource for true beginners. The hands-on focus makes it great for learners who prefer practical examples over dry theory. Some programming experience helps, but total newcomers can manage by taking it slow.
For anyone wanting to start learning Python, I highly recommend “Python Crash Course” as an introductory resource. Eric Matthes crafted an exemplary beginner book that keeps you motivated through fun projects. Seasoned developers may want something more advanced, but for novices this should provide a fantastic Python foundation. Overall rating: 5/5 stars!
No, the book focuses exclusively on Python 3. The author purposefully leaves out Python 2 since Python 3 is the present and future of the language.
The book is designed for true beginners with little to no experience. However, having some exposure to programming basics like loops and functions will help you move faster.
Lightly – the data visualization and web projects give a brief intro. But advanced data/web topics are beyond the scope of this foundational book.
Either works, but physical books allow easier flipping back to reference things. An ebook may be more convenient for the coding exercises.
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