Python in easy steps

by Mike McGrath

Python is a freely available programming language that makes solving a computer problem almost as easy as writing out one's thoughts about the solution. Python in Easy Steps covers everything the reader needs to know to start programming with Python. This easy-to-follow guide is the perfect companion for fast and productive learning. Designed to save time and guaranteed to give users value for their money, this successful series is written in simple, jargon-free style with helpful graphics. Each chapter takes readers through Python’s functions and uses step by step, and every page is packed with visual guides so that what users see in the book is exactly the same as what appears on their screens.

Genres: Programming

192 pages, Paperback

First published October 7, 2013

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

From a PHP developers point of view that wants to learn Python, this seemed a fantastic book. It went through things in a clean way with 2-page spreads, so once you have read the book, it is a nice easy reference to go back to, without having to search through 1000s of pages.

It is certainly going to sit on my desk to help me through my entry into Python for a while.

In some ways, aspects were a little brief, but in the age of the internet (and the topic of this book), I was okay with that, as I would use the book as a starting point to know how to ask my questions on forums.

The only real thing it was missing in my opinion was a 'community' section, so best practices in where to go to for help, how to keep on top of upcoming things, and those non-technical elements of an open source language.

[Ella Mogensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guide offers an accessible entry into Python, making it suitable even for absolute beginners. The clear explanations and straightforward examples effectively simplify complex concepts. Its structured chapters allow gradual progression without feeling overwhelmed. However, the material occasionally lacks depth, limiting its usefulness for more advanced learners. Some explanations might feel overly brief, prompting the need for supplementary resources. It's essential to study competitors on Amazon before purchasing, as there are books providing more comprehensive coverage or specialized topics that might better suit particular needs or learning styles.

[Steve Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read, follow along and understand.

I am an experienced developer and was looking for an easy introduction to Python that would be entertaining to read, have lots of examples that I could try on my Raspberry Pi 4, and would leave me with some useful skills. This book ticked all the boxes and was well proofed - I found no errors.

[Toby Philpott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good Introduction to Python

I was looking for a straightforward introduction to Python and this book delivered. It gives an overview of the structure of Python but doesn’t go into great detail. It has given a foundation and I will look at other books on how to use Python for data analysis and mathematical calculations. The book is a good starting point for anyone.

[Aditya Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives tonnes of knowledge to enthusiasts who want to learn Python completely from scratch. Was very happy to see so much knowledge concised in so less pages. Is definitely a good buy either if you want to become a full-time Python developer or want to test out the language for fun.

[Robert Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant. Did exactly what it it said on the tin - took me to a satisfactory level of knowledge of Python in easy to follow steps. I need to read more to fill in the gaps, but most of what I need can be got from the documentation of the various libraries of functions I need to use. Great job!

[Poojitha B]

Superbbb

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very good overview type reference for those who want to ramp up on python programming quickly.

[StuBEnew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to follow for someone with very little to no programming experience.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A very good book which explains Python in easy steps. In fact, you don't even need to download an IDE to run the code. The book tells you to run the code in the CMD window. You can download the examples from the book's website.

So why only 3.5 stars? The book doesn't tell you any CMD commands, which would have been nice.
Also, there are times in the examples when there is a segment of a line of code that is not explained.
For example:
new_button = Button(window_name, text = 'this is a button', command = tog)

The bolded part is not explained.

It doesn't explain that if a function receives an object (i.e. class instance), the function will just know it's an object, without the coder needing to put in any extra lines of code.

It didn't explain what an instance of a class is. It just wrote that "myobject=MyClass()" creates an instance of the class. But what does that mean i.e. instance? I knew because I've studied C++ and Java in the past. But I can see that to a newbie to programming, that statement makes zero sense.

Still, this doesn't happen often and when it did, I went to the W3 web site for clarification. I highly recommend this book to begin your Python journey, with supplementation from the W3 site.

[Philip Groves · Rating 3 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this as a first Python book. It teaches python recipes, without giving the reader an overall view of Python programming. However, it is a good reference book.

[Dwight Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good and accurate summary of Python language syntax for beginner or rusty programmers.

[vijayan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice book it explains each and every topic in very creative and very simple way. I suggest this book who all are novice or new to python came from other programming languages.

[Sasi Sindhu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A veru useful book for beginners.