Beginning Python: Using Python 2.6 and Python 3.1 introduces this open source, portable, interpreted, object-oriented programming language that combines remarkable power with clear syntax. This book enables you to quickly create robust, reliable, and reusable Python applications by teaching the basics so you can quickly develop Web and scientific applications, incorporate databases, and master systems tasks on various operating systems, including Linux, MAC OS, and Windows. You'll get a comprehensive tutorial that guides you from writing simple, basic Python scripts all the way through complex concepts, and also features a reference of the standard modules with examples illustrating how to implement features in the various modules. Plus, the book covers using Python in specific program development domains, such as XML, databases, scientific applications, network programming, and Web development.
-Little to no editing done -Incorrect code, broken code, incorrect code format -Dated techniques and depreciated functions throughout -Literally floating chunks of text from a previous edition that have nothing linking them contextually. (Whole paragraphs taken out of the new edition, yet the Try it Out code is still in the new edition with no explanation) -Poor explanation on core concepts -Incorrect or lacking information involving operating systems
Despite the name, this book is horrible for beginners. With no previous experience it is incredibly easy to miss incorrect code, poor formatting, and general misinformation leading to frustration, errors and a poor grasp on various concepts.
I recommend this book if you have previous programming experience to at least catch the broken code, and/or if you don't mind needing to look everything up on docs.python + stackoverflow + six more websites simultaneously to finally get that book example to run correctly.