Learn Python Programming: A comprehensive, up-to-date, and definitive guide to learning Python

This edition offers updated content covering Python 3.9 to 3.12, new chapters on type hinting and CLI applications, and expanded practical examples, making it the ideal resource for both new and experienced Python programmers

Key Features

• Create and deploy APIs and CLI applications, leveraging Python’s strengths in scripting and automation
• Stay current with the latest features and improvements in Python, including pattern matching and the latest exception handling syntax
• Engage with new real-world examples and projects, including competitive programming problems, to solidify your understanding of Python

Book Description

Learn Python Programming, Fourth Edition, provides a comprehensive, up-to-date introduction to Python programming, covering fundamental concepts and practical applications. This edition has been meticulously updated to include the latest features from Python versions 3.9 to 3.12, new chapters on type hinting and CLI applications, and updated examples reflecting modern Python web development practices. This Python book empowers you to take ownership of writing your software and become independent in fetching the resources you need. By the end of this book, you will have a clear idea of where to go and how to build on what you have learned from the book.

Through examples, the book explores a wide range of applications and concludes by building real-world Python projects based on the concepts you have learned. This Python book offers a clear and practical guide to mastering Python and applying it effectively in various domains, such as data science, web development, and automation.

What you will learn

• Install and set up Python on Windows, Mac, and Linux
• Write elegant, reusable, and efficient code
• Avoid common pitfalls such as duplication and over-engineering
• Use functional and object-oriented programming approaches appropriately
• Build APIs with FastAPI and program CLI applications
• Understand data persistence and cryptography for secure applications
• Manipulate data efficiently using Python's built-in data structures
• Package your applications for distribution via the Python Package Index (PyPI)
• Solve competitive programming problems with Python

Who this book is for

This Python programming book is for everyone who wants to learn Python from scratch, as well as experienced programmers looking for a reference book. Prior knowledge of basic programming concepts will help you follow along, but it’s not a prerequisite.

Table of Contents

1. A Gentle Introduction to Python
2. Built-In Data Types
3. Conditionals and Iteration
4. Functions, the Building Blocks of Code
5. Comprehensions and Generators
6. OOP, Decorators, and Iterators
7. Exceptions and Context Managers
8. Files and Data Persistence
9. Cryptography and Tokens
10. Testing
11. Debugging and Profiling
12. Introduction to Type Hinting
13. Data Science in Brief
14. Introduction to API Development
15. CLI Applications
16. Packaging Python Applications
17. Programming Challenges

Fabrizio Romano was born in Italy in 1975. He holds a master's degree in computer science engineering from the University of Padova. He's been working as a professional software developer since 1999. Fabrizio has been working at Sohonet since 2016, where he currently serves as a development manager. In 2020, the Television Academy honored him and his team with an Emmy Award in Engineering Development for advancing remote collaboration.

Heinrich Kruger was born in South Africa in 1981. He holds a master's degree in computer science from Utrecht University in the Netherlands. He has been working as a professional software developer since 2014. Heinrich has been working alongside Fabrizio in the Product Team at Sohonet since 2017. In 2020, the Television Academy honored them with an Emmy Award in Engineering Development for advancing remote collaboration.