I sincerely hope that this version is better than the first edition, although anything short of a random re-arrangement of pages would serve as an improvement. The first edition actually delayed my initial use of Python by about a year and a half. I had heard wonderful things about the language so I figured, "Ah, an O'Reilly book!" Big mistake.
Endless bits about immutability, without hints as to why I ought to care. I can appreciate the use of the interactive prompt now, but to start with it seems... s
Actually, I should have also recommended the Python Cookbook even though it's quite old and you can probably pick it up in a bargain bin (http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596001674). It's kind of nice for the quick and dirty examples if you also refer to the language reference and tutorial to understand what the authors are doing. I.e., it's not a very good introduction to the language alone.
But the best part is the strange looks you get from non-computer people when it's sitting on your shelf!
Better Than First Edition? (Score:5, Insightful)
I sincerely hope that this version is better than the first edition, although anything short of a random re-arrangement of pages would serve as an improvement. The first edition actually delayed my initial use of Python by about a year and a half. I had heard wonderful things about the language so I figured, "Ah, an O'Reilly book!" Big mistake.
Endless bits about immutability, without hints as to why I ought to care. I can appreciate the use of the interactive prompt now, but to start with it seems ... s
Re: (Score:2)
If not this book, care to share an alternative recommendation or two?
Re:Better Than First Edition? (Score:2)
But the best part is the strange looks you get from non-computer people when it's sitting on your shelf!