What is the best quick-read Python book out there? [closed]

Answer 1

Many people have suggested Dive Into Python, which is probably the best Python book out there for someone who's already a good programmer. However, if you're new to programming, the best book is probably "How to Think Like a Computer Scientist: Learning With Python" (http://openbookproject.net/thinkCSpy/index.xhtml)

Answer 2

I learned most of my initial pythonese from this super-handy quick reference:

http://rgruet.free.fr/PQR2.3.html

Answer 3

I learned more from the python cookbook than any other python book.

Answer 4

Since you're already familiar with other languages and a quick study, I'd recommend Python in a Nutshell by Alex Martelli, very concise and also useful later on for reference.

Answer 5

I think that Think Python is very good for first-time programmers. Pleasant writing style too..

Answer 6

It may not be as applicable, but I just cracked open Programming in Python 3 by Mark Summerfield and so far it seems pretty good, although it is focused on Python 3, so if you're planning on learning something like Django, which hasn't made the jump to Python 3 and likely won't for some time, this book might not be the best. Additionally, even though Python 3.0 has been out for a little while now, I can almost guarantee your course is using Python 2.x. Academia has a tendency to trail behind. I had a C++ recitation professor who I swear wasn't aware that C++ has been updated since 1985.