What are Good Reference Books for Python?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying good reference books for Python programming. Participants share their experiences with Python literature and compare it to their previous experiences with Perl reference materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reflects on the value of the "Camel Book" for Perl and expresses a desire for a similarly effective reference for Python.
  • Another participant recommends the "Python Cookbook" from O'Reilly as a useful resource for concise programming recipes.
  • A different participant suggests that online resources have replaced the need for books, citing the speed of finding information through Google.
  • One participant acknowledges the convenience of online searches but prefers having a physical book, mentioning their purchase of "Python in a Nutshell."

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the necessity and value of physical reference books versus online resources. There is no consensus on a single recommended book.

Contextual Notes

Some participants' preferences may depend on their familiarity with different formats of learning and reference, as well as their specific needs in programming.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals looking for Python programming resources, those transitioning from other programming languages, and readers interested in the evolution of programming reference materials.

websterling
Messages
156
Reaction score
131
Back in the day, when Perl was my go to language, Programming Perl, the Camel Book, from O'Reilly was The Reference. It was the quick and concise way to get an answer. And you'd probably learn something you weren't necessarily looking for and get a chuckle along the way.

Now that Python is my primary language, I realize that I don't have such a book. O'Reilly's selection of Python books seems to be sparse and dated. I've seen a few books from other publishers but none of them seem to be on the same level as the Camel Book.

So anyway, the question is- are there any good, current Python reference books?
 
Technology news on Phys.org
To be honest, I don't use books for software reference anymore. It is much faster to just Google what you're looking for and find it online.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: jedishrfu
I admit, Google has been my friend, but sometimes it's nice to have a familiar book to turn to.

After looking through the books available, I bought a used copy of the newest Python in a Nutshell for $28.
 

Similar threads

Python Are Python strings truly immutable?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Python What are the good books for physics and python?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Static Analysis for SAP2000 API
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Python Python Strings: Revising & Altering for AI Programming
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Non youtube courses and paid textbooks to learn algorithms?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Python Python: Help with bestfit line and outliers
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
7K
Other What Are the Best Books for Learning Data Analysis in Physics with Python?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Requesting suggestions for languages, libraries, and architectures for parallel (and sometimes non parallel) numerical and scientific computations
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Advice Wanted for Book Writing/Publishing
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
Python How to Create a Significant Figures Calculator in Python?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K