Top resources for learning Python
Essential books and websites
Here are my favourite resources for learning Python!
Just pick one of the resources below and start learning something new today.
In the previous article, we explored the benefits of learning C, C++, Python, or Rust. If you’re still undecided, I recommend checking out the article:
🌐 Websites to learn Python
Real Python
Python tutorials, books, courses, articles, and news for developers of all skill levels.
Full Stack Python
Learn to Build, Deploy and Operate Python Applications.
Python Speed
Speed up your Python code and learn skills you can use at your job.
📚 Books to learn Python
Python Cookbook, 3rd Edition
By David Beazley, Brian K. Jones
Released May 2013
Publisher: O’Reilly
ISBN: 9781449340377
This book is packed with practical recipes for solving real-world programming challenges, ranging from basic data structures to more complex tasks like concurrency and metaprogramming. Its clear explanations and concise examples make it perfect for intermediate to advanced Python developers who want to deepen their understanding and tackle everyday coding problems more effectively.
Think Python, 3rd Edition
By Allen Downey
Released July 2024
Publisher: O’Reilly
ISBN: 9781098155438
🌐 Read it online for free
This is a great book for beginners. It offers a clear, accessible introduction to Python, emphasizing both the language’s fundamentals and key programming concepts. The book stands out for its step-by-step approach, guiding readers through practical exercises and real-world examples that help solidify their understanding. Whether you’re a student, an aspiring developer, or just curious about coding, Downey’s hands-on style makes learning Python both engaging and effective.
A Whirlwind Tour of Python
By Jake VanderPlas
Released August 2016
Publisher: O’Reilly
🌐 Read it online for free
This book is ideal for experienced programmers looking to grasp Python’s core concepts without extra details. VanderPlas, a well-known figure in the data science community, presents clear explanations and practical examples that make it easy to understand Python’s syntax and capabilities. Whether you’re a software engineer, data scientist, or just curious about Python, this book is a great starting point.
Python Basics, 4th Edition
By David Amos, Dan Bader, Joanna Jablonski , Fletcher Heisler
Released March 2021
Publisher: Real Python
ISBN: 9781775093329
This book offers hands-on teaching with clear explanations and practical examples for beginners and those looking to strengthen their Python skills. The authors guide readers through essential topics such as data types, loops, functions, and object-oriented programming, making complex concepts more accessible. Whether you’re new to coding or looking to solidify your skills, this book provides a comprehensive and engaging path to mastering Python.
Python Tricks
By Dan Bader
Released December 2017
Publisher: Real Python
ISBN: 9781775093305
This book goes beyond just teaching Python syntax, offering insights into writing clean, efficient, and "pythonic" code. It’s packed with practical tips and examples that can enhance both your understanding and problem-solving abilities, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced programmer. Each section delves into useful techniques and idioms that will make your code more readable and effective, making this a valuable resource for anyone looking to refine their Python expertise.
📚 Books to learn Python and AI
Python for Data Analysis, 3rd Edition
By Wes McKinney
Released August 2022
Publisher: O’Reilly
ISBN: 9781098104030
🌐 Read it online for free
This is an essential resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of data manipulation and analysis using Python. As the creator of the widely-used Pandas library, McKinney offers expert insights into working with real-world data, covering topics such as data wrangling, visualization, and statistical analysis. The book is well-structured for both beginners and experienced programmers, making it an excellent choice for anyone working in fields like data science, finance, or research.
Python Data Science Handbook, 2nd Edition
By Jake VanderPlas
Released December 2022
Publisher: O’Reilly
🌐 Read it online for free (1st Edition)
This book covers essential tools like NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, and Scikit-learn for data manipulation, visualization, and machine learning, offering clear explanations, practical examples, and insights into how these libraries work together.
Deep Learning with Python, 2nd Edition
By Francois Chollet
Released November 2021
Publisher: Manning
🌐 Read it online for free
Authored by the creator of the Keras library, this book provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to deep learning concepts, with a strong emphasis on practical implementation. Through hands-on examples, Chollet guides readers from the basics of neural networks to advanced topics like generative models and self-supervised learning. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced programmer, this book equips you with the tools to build cutting-edge AI applications using Python.
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