this post was submitted on 05 Jul 2023
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Python

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submitted 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) by [email protected] to c/python
 

Hello fellow lemmians (I hope that is correct), I want to learn a programming language in my free time, like a hobby and not necessarly for work. I think a general purpose language like python would be a good choice. I'm the type who prefer paperback books to minimize distraction and I would like your recommendation for a book, Im thinking about "Python crash course 3d edition" but feel free to suggest something else

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[–] learnbyexample 7 points 2 years ago (2 children)

Yeah, PCC is a good choice. Make sure to type examples codes manually (i.e. don't just read them) and try to solve all the exercises. Since you mention you want to learn it as a hobby, "Automate the Boring Stuff with Python" (2nd edition) would be a good choice as well, as you might find some of the projects in the second half helpful.

[–] ericjmorey 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

It's more than sufficient. There are a lot of sufficient recommendations here, I hope OP doesn't use that as an excuse to delay getting started.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago

Lol, dont worry, I'm waiting PCC to arrive.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago

Yup, "automate the boring stufF" and "unpractical python projects" are on my list once I finish PCC, or wathever can help me exercise my learnings

[–] ericjmorey 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Python crash course 3d edition will serve you well. While you're waiting for it to arrive, start working with the free lessons on Kaggle for Python:

https://www.kaggle.com/learn/intro-to-programming

https://www.kaggle.com/learn/python

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago

Will do, thanks

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I used Automate the Boring Stuff with Python. The Author is really cool about giving away the corresponding course for free.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago

I believe course is also online to read for free. I bought book to support author, though. Not everyone can do that so it is nice to have online option.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago

I used python for everybody when i first learned python. I found it helpful to learn the basics. It's free as a pdf so you can check it out. And then it can be bought as a book or for kindle if you desire.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

Hi! Other great book is "Fluent Python". I think PCC could be better as first contact and then this one as next step.

https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/fluent-python/9781491946237/

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

That was one of the recommended books i found, how is it?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Its really nice but not really for beginners.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago

Thanks for letting me know

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

do you insist on a book? if you are willing to accept another format, i would offer this:

.

depending on your past experience, it might be useful to preceed it with this:

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Very interesting but I dont think this is for me. I'm in north Africa region and working a shift based job. So I wont be garanteed to be able at certain times. Thank you for your offer though

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

there is no fixed schedule you have to follow. you watch the lessons on youtube at a time that works for you and then you upload homeworks when it works for you. you don't even have deadlines for the individual homeworks, so if you find out you are not going to have time for the next two weeks, that is fine.

you can also choose just to watch the videos, if you so decide, but making the homeworks is where you really learn.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Thank you for your comment, I enrolled for both.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago
[–] qwop 2 points 2 years ago

"Python crash course" sounds good - I haven't read it personally but my experience with no starch press books is that they're pretty good.

Other options are "A byte of Python" and "Automate the boring stuff with Python".

I am also someone who prefers physical books. When I was learning I went to my local library and took out pretty much their entire section of Python books (not that big) and read through them.

Most important is to find out what works for you!

[–] oji 1 points 2 years ago

Tony Gaddis - Starting Out with Python, 5th edition

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

Once you know most of the Python syntax, I can't not recommend Python Cookbook 3ed. Reading the each problem-solution-opening, you will have a more pythonic mindset.

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