Learning Python

by Mark Lutz

Overview

This hands-on book helps programmers master the fundamentals of the core Python language quickly and efficiently. Updated for Python 3.0, this book offers programmers a comprehensive learning tool for this language and object-oriented programming. It provides material and exercises derived from more than 200 live Python training session conducted by the author, and serves as a self-paced introductory Python resource.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780596158064
Publisher:	O'Reilly Media, Incorporated
Publication date:	10/02/2009
Series:	Animal Guide Series
Edition description:	Fourth Edition,Annotated
Pages:	1160
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 9.20(h) x 2.60(d)

About the Author

Mark Lutz is a software developer and a Python writer and trainer. He is the author of Programming Python and Python Desktop Reference, both published by O'Reilly & Associates. Mark has programmed a variety of Python systems, teaches courses about Python, and has been involved with the Python community since 1992.

David Ascher is a hybrid scientist/software engineer/trainer. By day, he is a vision scientist; additionally, he spends a fair bit of his free time learning about computer science and teaching Python.

Table of Contents

Preface
I. The Core Language
1. Getting Started
     Why Python?
     How to Run Python Programs
     A First Look at Module Files
     Python Configuration Details
     Summary
     Exercises

2. Types and Operators
     Python Program Structure
     Why Use Built-in Types?
     Numbers
     Strings
     Lists
     Dictionaries
     Tuples
     Files
     General Object Properties
     Built-in Type Gotchas
     Summary
     Exercises

3. Basic Statements
     Assignment
     Expressions
     Print
     if Tests
     while Loops
     for Loops
     Common Coding Gotchas
     Summary
     Exercises

4. Functions
     Why Use Functions?
     Function Basics
     Scope Rules in Functions
     Argument Passing
     Odds and Ends
     Function Gotchas
     Summary
     Exercises

5. Modules
     Why Use Modules?
     Module Basics
     Module Files Are Namespaces
     Import Model
      Reloading Modules
     Odds and Ends
     Module Gotchas
     Summary
     Exercises

6. Classes
     Why Use Classes?
     Class Basics
     Using the Class Statement
     Using Class Methods
     Inheritance Searches Namespace Trees
     Operator Overloading in Classes
     Namespace Rules: The Whole Story
     Designing with Classes
     Odds and Ends
     Class Gotchas
     Summary
     Exercises

7. Exceptions
     Why Use Exceptions?
     Exception Basics
     Exception Idioms
     Exception Catching Modes
     Odds and Ends
     Exception Gotchas
     Summary
     Exercises

II. The Outer Layers

8. Built-in Tools
     Built-in Functions
     Library Modules
     Exercises

9. Common Tasks in Python
     Data Structure Manipulations
     Manipulating Files
     Manipulating Programs
     Internet-Related Activities
     Bigger Examples
     Exercises

10. Frameworks and Applications
     An Automated Complaint System
     Interfacing with COM: Cheap Public Relations
     A Tkinter-Based GUI Editor for Managing Form Data
     Design Considerations
     JPython: The Felicitous Union of Python and Java
     Other Frameworks and Applications
     Exercises

III. Appendixes

A. Python Resources

B. Platform-Specific Topics

C. Solutions to Exercises

INDEX: