Search icon Close icon
Search icon CANCEL
Subscription
0
Cart icon
Your Cart (0 item)
Close icon
You have no products in your basket yet
Save more on your purchases! discount-offer-chevron-icon
Savings automatically calculated. No voucher code required.
Checkout

Change country

Modal Close icon
Country selected Country selected
country flag United States
Country selected
country flag Great Britain
Country selected
country flag India
Country selected
country flag Germany
Country selected
country flag France
Country selected
country flag Canada
Country selected
country flag Russia
Country selected
country flag Spain
Country selected
country flag Brazil
Country selected
country flag Australia
Country selected
country flag Singapore
Country selected
country flag Hungary
Country selected
country flag Ukraine
Country selected
country flag Luxembourg
Country selected
country flag Estonia
Country selected
country flag Lithuania
Country selected
country flag South Korea
Country selected
country flag Turkey
Country selected
country flag Switzerland
Country selected
country flag Colombia
Country selected
country flag Taiwan
Country selected
country flag Chile
Country selected
country flag Norway
Country selected
country flag Ecuador
Country selected
country flag Indonesia
Country selected
country flag New Zealand
Country selected
country flag Cyprus
Country selected
country flag Denmark
Country selected
country flag Finland
Country selected
country flag Poland
Country selected
country flag Malta
Country selected
country flag Czechia
Country selected
country flag Austria
Country selected
country flag Sweden
Country selected
country flag Italy
Country selected
country flag Egypt
Country selected
country flag Belgium
Country selected
country flag Portugal
Country selected
country flag Slovenia
Country selected
country flag Ireland
Country selected
country flag Romania
Country selected
country flag Greece
Country selected
country flag Argentina
Country selected
country flag Netherlands
Country selected
country flag Bulgaria
Country selected
country flag Latvia
Country selected
country flag South Africa
Country selected
country flag Malaysia
Country selected
country flag Japan
Country selected
country flag Slovakia
Country selected
country flag Philippines
Country selected
country flag Mexico
Country selected
country flag Thailand
Country selected
Arrow left icon
Explore Products
Best Sellers
New Releases
Books
Videos
Audiobooks
Learning Hub
Newsletter Hub
Free Learning
Arrow right icon
timer SALE ENDS IN
0 Days
:
00 Hours
:
00 Minutes
:
00 Seconds
Home > Programming > Programming Language > Python Essentials
Python Essentials
Python Essentials

Python Essentials: Modernize existing Python code and plan code migrations to Python using this definitive guide

Arrow left icon
Profile Icon Steven F. Lott
Arrow right icon
Can$55.99
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon 4.5 (2 Ratings)
Paperback Jun 2015 298 pages 1st Edition
eBook
Can$39.99 Can$44.99
Paperback
Can$55.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Renews at $19.99p/m
Arrow left icon
Profile Icon Steven F. Lott
Arrow right icon
Can$55.99
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon 4.5 (2 Ratings)
Paperback Jun 2015 298 pages 1st Edition
eBook
Can$39.99 Can$44.99
Paperback
Can$55.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Renews at $19.99p/m
eBook
Can$39.99 Can$44.99
Paperback
Can$55.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Renews at $19.99p/m

What do you get with Print?

Product feature icon Instant access to your digital copy whilst your Print order is Shipped
Product feature icon Paperback book shipped to your preferred address
Product feature icon Redeem a companion digital copy on all Print orders
Product feature icon Access this title in our online reader with advanced features
Product feature icon DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want
OR

Contact Details

Modal Close icon
Payment Processing...
tick Completed

Shipping Address

Billing Address

Shipping Methods
Table of content icon View table of contents Preview book icon Preview Book

Python Essentials

Chapter 2. Simple Data Types

Now we'll look at a number of data types that are built-in as well as some that are part of Python's standard library. We'll start with Python's numeric types. These include three built-in types: int, float, and complex, plus the standard library types Fraction and Decimal.

We'll also look at strings, str, and simple collections, tuple. These are more complex than numbers because they contain multiple items. Since their behavior is less complex than the kinds of objects we'll see in later chapters, they serve as a good introduction to the general concept of sequences in Python.

Note the capitalization of the names of Fraction and Decimal. The built-in type names start with a lowercase letter. Types that we must import have a module name that starts with a lowercase letter, but the type name starts with a capital letter. This convention is widespread, but not universal.

All of the types we'll look at in this chapter have...

Introducing the built-in operators

Before looking at the various kinds of numbers available, we'll introduce the Python operators. The operators fall into three broad groups:

Group

Operators

Arithmetic

+, -, *, **, /, //, %

Bit-oriented

<<, >>, &, |, ^, ~

Comparison

<, >, <=, >=, ==, !=

The differences between these groups are partly subjective. There's only a small technical difference in the way the comparison operators work. Most of the operators are binary, only one (~) is unary, and a few (+, -, *, **) can be used in either context.

The +, -, *, /, and % operators have meanings similar to those used other programming languages. There is an arithmetic meaning for – and +. Python adds the ** operator when raising a number to a power. The ** operator takes higher precedence than the unary form -; this means that -2**4 is -16.

Bit-oriented operators apply only to integers. They also apply to sets. These are emphatically not logical...

The numeric tower

We've seen Python's three built-in numeric types: int, float, complex, plus two more types—Fraction and Decimal—imported from the standard library. The numbers module in the standard library provides four base class definitions for the numeric types. We rarely need to use this module explicitly; it's a convention that we need when we have to implement our own numeric types.

The numeric types form a kind of "tower" that parallels the various kinds of numbers seen in conventional mathematics. The foundation of the tower is integers. Rational numbers are above integers. Floating-point values are still further up, and complex numbers are at the top of the tower.

A common expectation is that a language will automatically coerce numeric values to permit expressions such as 2*2.718 to work properly and produce a useful result. When multiplying an integer by a float value, we expect integers to be coerced to a floating-point value.

In order...

The math libraries

The Python library has six modules relevant to mathematical work. These are described in Chapter 9, Numeric and Mathematical Modules, of the Python Standard Library document. Beyond this, we have external libraries such as NumPy (http://www.numpy.org) and SciPy (http://www.scipy.org). These libraries include vast collections of sophisticated algorithms. For an even more sophisticated toolset, the Anaconda project (https://store.continuum.io/cshop/anaconda/) combines NumPy, SciPy, and 18 more packages.

These are the relevant built-in numeric packages:

  • numbers: This module defines the essential numeric abstractions. We rarely need this unless we're going to invent an entirely new kind of number.
  • math: This module has a large collection of functions. It includes basic sqrt(), the various trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, and so on) and the various log-related functions. It has functions for working with the internals of floating-point numbers. It also has the gamma...

Using bits and Boolean values

As noted earlier, the bit-oriented operators &, |, ^, and ~ have nothing to do with Python's actual Boolean operators and, or, not, and if-else. We'll look at Boolean values, logic operators, and related programming in Chapter 5, Logic, Comparisons, and Conditions.

If we misuse the bit-oriented operators & or | in place of a logical and or or, things may appear very peculiar:

>>> 5 > 6 & 3 > 1
True
>>> (5 > 6) & (3 > 1)
False

The first example is clearly wrong. Why? This is because the & operator has relatively high priority. It's not a logical connective, it's more like an arithmetic operator. The & operator is performed first: 6&3 evaluates to 2. Given this, the resulting expression, 5 > 2 > 1, is True.

When we group the comparisons to perform them first, we'll get a False for 5>6, and a True for 3>1. When we apply the & operator the result will be False, which...

Working with sequences

In this chapter, we'll introduce Python sequence collections. We'll look at strings and tuples as the first two examples of this class. Python offers a number of other sequence collections; we'll look at them in Chapter 6, More Complex Data Types. All of these sequences have common features.

Python sequences identify the individual elements by position. Position numbers start with zero. Here's a tuple collection with five elements:

>>> t=("hello", 3.14, 23, None, True)
>>> t[0]
'hello'
>>> t[4]
True

In addition to the expected ascending numbers, Python also offers reverse numbering. Position -1 is the end of the sequence:

>>> t[-1]
True
>>> t[-2]
>>> t[-5]
'hello'

Note that position 3 (or -2) has a value of None. The REPL doesn't display the None object, so the value of t[-2] appears to be missing. For more visible evidence that this value is None, use this:

&gt...

Introducing the built-in operators

Before looking at the various kinds of numbers available, we'll introduce the Python operators. The operators fall into three broad groups:

Group

Operators

Arithmetic

+, -, *, **, /, //, %

Bit-oriented

<<, >>, &, |, ^, ~

Comparison

<, >, <=, >=, ==, !=

The differences between these groups are partly subjective. There's only a small technical difference in the way the comparison operators work. Most of the operators are binary, only one (~) is unary, and a few (+, -, *, **) can be used in either context.

The +, -, *, /, and % operators have meanings similar to those used other programming languages. There is an arithmetic meaning for – and +. Python adds the ** operator when raising a number to a power. The ** operator takes higher precedence than the unary form -; this means that -2**4 is -16.

Bit-oriented operators apply only to integers. They also apply to sets. These are emphatically not logical operators. The actual...

The numeric tower

We've seen Python's three built-in numeric types: int, float, complex, plus two more types—Fraction and Decimal—imported from the standard library. The numbers module in the standard library provides four base class definitions for the numeric types. We rarely need to use this module explicitly; it's a convention that we need when we have to implement our own numeric types.

The numeric types form a kind of "tower" that parallels the various kinds of numbers seen in conventional mathematics. The foundation of the tower is integers. Rational numbers are above integers. Floating-point values are still further up, and complex numbers are at the top of the tower.

A common expectation is that a language will automatically coerce numeric values to permit expressions such as 2*2.718 to work properly and produce a useful result. When multiplying an integer by a float value, we expect integers to be coerced to a floating-point value.

In order for this to work, there are two general...

The math libraries

The Python library has six modules relevant to mathematical work. These are described in Chapter 9, Numeric and Mathematical Modules, of the Python Standard Library document. Beyond this, we have external libraries such as NumPy (http://www.numpy.org) and SciPy (http://www.scipy.org). These libraries include vast collections of sophisticated algorithms. For an even more sophisticated toolset, the Anaconda project (https://store.continuum.io/cshop/anaconda/) combines NumPy, SciPy, and 18 more packages.

These are the relevant built-in numeric packages:

  • numbers: This module defines the essential numeric abstractions. We rarely need this unless we're going to invent an entirely new kind of number.

  • math: This module has a large collection of functions. It includes basic sqrt(), the various trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, and so on) and the various log-related functions. It has functions for working with the internals of floating-point numbers. It also has the gamma function...

Using bits and Boolean values

As noted earlier, the bit-oriented operators &, |, ^, and ~ have nothing to do with Python's actual Boolean operators and, or, not, and if-else. We'll look at Boolean values, logic operators, and related programming in Chapter 5, Logic, Comparisons, and Conditions.

If we misuse the bit-oriented operators & or | in place of a logical and or or, things may appear very peculiar:

>>> 5 > 6 & 3 > 1
True
>>> (5 > 6) & (3 > 1)
False

The first example is clearly wrong. Why? This is because the & operator has relatively high priority. It's not a logical connective, it's more like an arithmetic operator. The & operator is performed first: 6&3 evaluates to 2. Given this, the resulting expression, 5 > 2 > 1, is True.

When we group the comparisons to perform them first, we'll get a False for 5>6, and a True for 3>1. When we apply the & operator the result will be False, which is what we expected. Using...

Working with sequences

In this chapter, we'll introduce Python sequence collections. We'll look at strings and tuples as the first two examples of this class. Python offers a number of other sequence collections; we'll look at them in Chapter 6, More Complex Data Types. All of these sequences have common features.

Python sequences identify the individual elements by position. Position numbers start with zero. Here's a tuple collection with five elements:

>>> t=("hello", 3.14, 23, None, True)
>>> t[0]
'hello'
>>> t[4]
True

In addition to the expected ascending numbers, Python also offers reverse numbering. Position -1 is the end of the sequence:

>>> t[-1]
True
>>> t[-2]
>>> t[-5]
'hello'

Note that position 3 (or -2) has a value of None. The REPL doesn't display the None object, so the value of t[-2] appears to be missing. For more visible evidence that this value is None, use this:

>>> t[3] is None
True

The sequences use an extra comparison...

Using string and bytes values

Python string values are similar—in some respects—to simple numeric types. There are a few arithmetic-like operators available and all of the comparisons are defined. Strings are immutable: we cannot change a string. We can, however, easily build new strings from existing strings, making the mutability question as irrelevant for string objects as it is for number objects. Python has two kinds of string values:

  • Unicode: These strings use the entire Unicode character set. These are the default strings Python uses. The input-output libraries are all capable of a wide variety of Unicode encoding and decoding. The name for this type is str. It's a built-in type, so it starts with a lowercase letter.

  • Bytes: Many file formats and network protocols are defined over bytes, not Unicode characters. Python uses ASCII encoding for bytes. Special arrangements must be made to process bytes. The internal type name is bytes.

We can easily encode Unicode into a sequence of bytes...

Left arrow icon

Page 1 of 12

Right arrow icon
Download code icon Download Code

Description

This book is designed for Python 2 developers who want to get to grips with Python 3 in a short period of time. It covers the key features of Python, assuming you are familiar with the fundamentals of Python 2.

What you will learn

  • Use Python interactively and master the art of writing efficient Python scripts
  • Learn techniques for working with string data, including how to use regular expressions to parse strings
  • Get to know how the shortcircuit and ifelse logic operators work
  • Explore mutable data structures including list, set, and dict
  • Define functions with positional and optional parameters, and learn to use keyword argument values when calling a function
  • Write generator functions, generator expressions, and comprehensions
  • Master the use of exceptions for handling errors and other unexpected conditions
  • Understand the importance of working with files, context manager, and the with statement
Estimated delivery fee Deliver to Canada

Economy delivery 10 - 13 business days

Can$24.95

Product Details

Country selected
Publication date, Length, Edition, Language, ISBN-13
Publication date : Jun 30, 2015
Length: 298 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781784390341
Category :
Programming
Languages :
Python
Concepts :
Programming Language

What do you get with Print?

Product feature icon Instant access to your digital copy whilst your Print order is Shipped
Product feature icon Paperback book shipped to your preferred address
Product feature icon Redeem a companion digital copy on all Print orders
Product feature icon Access this title in our online reader with advanced features
Product feature icon DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want
OR

Contact Details

Modal Close icon
Payment Processing...
tick Completed

Shipping Address

Billing Address

Shipping Methods
Estimated delivery fee Deliver to Canada

Economy delivery 10 - 13 business days

Can$24.95

Product Details

Publication date : Jun 30, 2015
Length: 298 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781784390341
Category :
Programming
Languages :
Python
Concepts :
Programming Language

Packt Subscriptions

See our plans and pricing
Modal Close icon
$19.99 billed monthly
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Simple pricing, no contract
START FREE TRIAL
BUY NOW
$199.99 billed annually
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just Can$6 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts
START FREE TRIAL
BUY NOW
$279.99 billed in 18 months
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just Can$6 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts
START FREE TRIAL
BUY NOW

Frequently bought together

Python Essentials
Python Essentials
Read more
Jun 2015 298 pages
Full star icon 4.5 (2)
eBook
eBook
  • eBook eBook Can$39.99
  • Paperback Paperback Can$55.99
Can$39.99 Can$44.99
Can$55.99
Functional Python Programming
Functional Python Programming
Read more
Jan 2015 360 pages
Full star icon 4 (9)
eBook
eBook
  • eBook eBook Can$49.99
  • Paperback Paperback Can$69.99
Can$49.99 Can$55.99
Can$69.99
Python 3 Object-Oriented Programming - Second Edition
Python 3 Object-Oriented Programming - Second Edition
Read more
Aug 2015 460 pages
Full star icon 3.9 (36)
eBook
eBook
  • eBook eBook Can$49.99
  • Paperback Paperback Can$69.99
Can$49.99 Can$55.99
Can$69.99
Stars icon
Total Can$ 195.97
Python Essentials
Can$55.99
Functional Python Programming
Can$69.99
Python 3 Object-Oriented Programming - Second Edition
Can$69.99
Total Can$ 195.97 Stars icon

Table of Contents

16 Chapters
1. Getting Started Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
1. Getting Started
Installation or upgrade
Using the Read-Evaluate-Print Loop (REPL)
Interacting with the help subsystem
Creating simple script files
The Python ecosystem
Looking at other Python interpreters
Summary
2. Simple Data Types Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
2. Simple Data Types
Introducing the built-in operators
The numeric tower
The math libraries
Using bits and Boolean values
Working with sequences
Using string and bytes values
Using the tuple collection
The None object
The consequences of immutability
Using the built-in conversion functions
Summary
3. Expressions and Output Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
3. Expressions and Output
Expressions, operators, and data types
The print() function
Examining syntax rules
Splitting, partitioning, and joining strings
Summary of the standard string libraries
Summary
4. Variables, Assignment and Scoping Rules Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
4. Variables, Assignment and Scoping Rules
Simple assignment and variables
Multiple assignment
Using the head, *tail assignment
Augmented assignment
The input() function
Python language concepts
The Python namespace concept
Summary
5. Logic, Comparisons, and Conditions Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
5. Logic, Comparisons, and Conditions
Boolean data and the bool() function
Comparison operators
Logic operators – and, or, not, if-else
The if-elif-else statement
The pass statement as a placeholder
The assert statement
The logic of the None object
Summary
6. More Complex Data Types Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
6. More Complex Data Types
The mutability and immutability distinction
Using the list collection
Using collection functions
Using the set collection
Mappings
Processing collections with the for statement
Iterating with the while statement
The continue and break statements
Using the else clause on a loop
Summary
7. Basic Function Definitions Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
7. Basic Function Definitions
Looking at the five kinds of callables
Defining functions with positional parameters
Mutable and immutable argument values
Defining optional parameters via default values
Using the "everything else" notations of * and **
Nested function definitions
Working with namespaces
Defining lambdas
Writing additional function annotations
Summary
8. More Advanced Functions Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
8. More Advanced Functions
Using the for statement with iterable collections
Consequences and next steps
Using generator expressions and comprehensions
Defining generator functions with the yield statement
Using the higher-order functions
Using the built-in reductions – max, min, and reduce
Three ways to sort a sequence
Functional programming design patterns
Summary
9. Exceptions Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
9. Exceptions
The core exception concept
Using the try and except statements
Matching exception classes in an except clause
Creating our own exceptions
Using a finally clause
Use cases for exceptions
Issuing warnings instead of exceptions
Permission versus forgiveness – a Pythonic approach
Summary
10. Files, Databases, Networks, and Contexts Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
10. Files, Databases, Networks, and Contexts
The essential file concept
Using a context manager via the with statement
Using the shelve module as a database
Web services and Internet protocols
Physical format considerations
Summary
11. Class Definitions Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
11. Class Definitions
Creating a class
Writing the suite of statements in a class
Using instance variables and methods
Pythonic object-oriented programming
Using properties
Using inheritance to simplify class definitions
Using class methods and attributes
Using __slots__ to save storage
The ABCs of abstract base classes
Summary
12. Scripts, Modules, Packages, Libraries, and Applications Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
12. Scripts, Modules, Packages, Libraries, and Applications
Script file rules
Running a script by the filename
Creating a reusable module
Creating a hybrid library/application module
Creating a package
Designing alternative implementations
Seeing the package search path
Summary
13. Metaprogramming and Decorators Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
13. Metaprogramming and Decorators
Simple metaprogramming with decorators
Defining our own decorator
More complex metaprogramming with metaclasses
Summary
14. Fit and Finish – Unit Testing, Packaging, and Documentation Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
14. Fit and Finish – Unit Testing, Packaging, and Documentation
Writing docstrings
Writing unit tests with doctest
Using the unittest library for testing
Using other add-on test libraries
Logging events and conditions
Writing documentation with RST markup
Organizing Python code
Summary
15. Next Steps Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
15. Next Steps
Leveraging the standard library
Leveraging PyPI – the Python Package Index
Types of applications
Building CLI applications
Building GUI applications
Building web applications
Plugging into a MapReduce framework
Summary
Index Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Index

Recommendations for you

Left arrow icon
Fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming - C++
Fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming - C++
Read more
Feb 2023 7hrs 6mins
Full star icon 5 (1)
Video
Video
  • Video Video Can$37.99
Can$37.99
Debunking C++ Myths
Debunking C++ Myths
Read more
Dec 2024 226 pages
eBook
eBook
  • eBook eBook Can$35.99
  • Paperback Paperback Can$50.99
Can$35.99 Can$40.99
Can$50.99
Go Recipes for Developers
Go Recipes for Developers
Read more
Dec 2024 350 pages
eBook
eBook
  • eBook eBook Can$35.99
  • Paperback Paperback Can$50.99
Can$35.99 Can$40.99
Can$50.99
50 Algorithms Every Programmer Should Know
50 Algorithms Every Programmer Should Know
Read more
Sep 2023 538 pages
Full star icon 4.5 (68)
eBook
eBook
  • eBook eBook Can$44.99
  • Paperback Paperback Can$63.99
Can$44.99 Can$50.99
Can$63.99
Mastering JavaScript Variable Declarations - Insights into VAR, LET, and CONST in 2025
Mastering JavaScript Variable Declarations - Insights into VAR, LET, and CONST in 2025
Read more
Dec 2024 5hrs 19mins
Video
Video
  • Video Video Can$139.99
Can$139.99
Asynchronous Programming with C++
Asynchronous Programming with C++
Read more
Nov 2024 424 pages
eBook
eBook
  • eBook eBook Can$37.99
  • Paperback Paperback Can$53.99
Can$37.99 Can$42.99
Can$53.99
Modern CMake for C++
Modern CMake for C++
Read more
May 2024 502 pages
Full star icon 4.7 (12)
eBook
eBook
  • eBook eBook Can$44.99
  • Paperback Paperback Can$63.99
Can$44.99 Can$50.99
Can$63.99
Learn Python Programming
Learn Python Programming
Read more
Nov 2024 616 pages
Full star icon 5 (1)
eBook
eBook
  • eBook eBook Can$35.99
  • Paperback Paperback Can$50.99
Can$35.99 Can$40.99
Can$50.99
Learn to Code with Rust
Learn to Code with Rust
Read more
Nov 2024 37hrs 6mins
Video
Video
  • Video Video Can$37.99
Can$37.99
Modern Python Cookbook
Modern Python Cookbook
Read more
Jul 2024 818 pages
Full star icon 4.9 (21)
eBook
eBook
  • eBook eBook Can$49.99
  • Paperback Paperback Can$69.99
Can$49.99 Can$55.99
Can$69.99
Right arrow icon

Customer reviews

Rating distribution
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon 4.5
(2 Ratings)
5 star 50%
4 star 50%
3 star 0%
2 star 0%
1 star 0%
ruben Aug 26, 2015
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
This book has develop the skills on how to program in a very structured way so that it covers all the necessary to be ready to use Python3 in order to be updated to the next version.It covers the main idea of how to use the tools of programming, functions, libraries, structures and the codes to develop your own programming.You will learn how to used the main structure in a programit covers the main topics to be ready and program your own codesThe main topics1: getting started2: simple data types3: expressions and output4: variables, assignment and scoping rules5: logic, comparisons, and conditions6: more complex data types7: basic function definitions8: more advanced functions9: exceptions10: files, databases, networks, and contexts11: class definitions12: scripts, modules, packages, libraries, and applications13: metaprogramming and decorators14: fit and finish – unit testing, packaging, and documentation15: next stepsI really recomend this title has the necessary to learn the basics of this important language and tool to jump to the next generation
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Tim Crothers Aug 21, 2015
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4
I found Python Essentials to be a very solid book depending on your background and intent. This book is best suited if you are an experienced programmer looking to learn Python to add it to your toolkit. To that end the chapters are all matter of fact and straight to the point. Coverage of Python is quite broad despite being just over 250 pages. On the other hand if you're new to programming then this book is unlikely to get you coding in Python successfully. There is very little discussion of "why and when" to use things, just how. The book also lacks any examples of how to tie the pieces all together. All of the Python code is done discretely in snippets illustrating just the necessary information.I gave the book four stars instead of five for a few reasons. Mostly it boils down to the book sending some confusing messages. For instance, the Amazon description "a rapid guide to the fundamental features of Python" is spot on whereas the cover of the book displays "Modernize existing Python code and plan code migrations to Python using this definitive guide". The latter from the cover is definitely not accomplished in my opinion. There is no discussion of code migration or modernization beyond the initial chapters reasons for focusing on Python 3 rather than 2.x. There are a fair number of similar inconsistencies which lead me confused a bit. Ultimately they were mostly just distracting rather than serious flaws.All in all an excellent book for this with solid programming experience looking to learn Python quickly.
Amazon Verified review Amazon

People who bought this also bought

Left arrow icon
50 Algorithms Every Programmer Should Know
50 Algorithms Every Programmer Should Know
Read more
Sep 2023 538 pages
Full star icon 4.5 (68)
eBook
eBook
  • eBook eBook Can$44.99
  • Paperback Paperback Can$63.99
Can$44.99 Can$50.99
Can$63.99
Event-Driven Architecture in Golang
Event-Driven Architecture in Golang
Read more
Nov 2022 384 pages
Full star icon 4.9 (11)
eBook
eBook
  • eBook eBook Can$44.99
  • Paperback Paperback Can$63.99
Can$44.99 Can$50.99
Can$63.99
The Python Workshop Second Edition
The Python Workshop Second Edition
Read more
Nov 2022 600 pages
Full star icon 4.6 (22)
eBook
eBook
  • eBook eBook Can$46.99
  • Paperback Paperback Can$65.99
Can$46.99 Can$52.99
Can$65.99
Template Metaprogramming with C++
Template Metaprogramming with C++
Read more
Aug 2022 480 pages
Full star icon 4.6 (14)
eBook
eBook
  • eBook eBook Can$42.99
  • Paperback Paperback Can$59.99
Can$42.99 Can$47.99
Can$59.99
Domain-Driven Design with Golang
Domain-Driven Design with Golang
Read more
Dec 2022 204 pages
Full star icon 4.4 (19)
eBook
eBook
  • eBook eBook Can$40.99
  • Paperback Paperback Can$56.99
Can$40.99 Can$45.99
Can$56.99
Right arrow icon

About the author

Profile icon Steven F. Lott
Steven F. Lott
LinkedIn icon Github icon
Steven Lott has been programming since computers were large, expensive, and rare. Working for decades in high tech has given him exposure to a lot of ideas and techniques, some bad, but most are helpful to others. Since the 1990s, Steven has been engaged with Python, crafting an array of indispensable tools and applications. His profound expertise has led him to contribute significantly to Packt Publishing, penning notable titles like "Mastering Object-Oriented," "The Modern Python Cookbook," and "Functional Python Programming." A self-proclaimed technomad, Steven's unconventional lifestyle sees him residing on a boat, often anchored along the vibrant east coast of the US. He tries to live by the words “Don't come home until you have a story.”
Read more
See other products by Steven F. Lott
Get free access to Packt library with over 7500+ books and video courses for 7 days!
Start Free Trial

FAQs

What is the digital copy I get with my Print order? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

When you buy any Print edition of our Books, you can redeem (for free) the eBook edition of the Print Book you’ve purchased. This gives you instant access to your book when you make an order via PDF, EPUB or our online Reader experience.

What is the delivery time and cost of print book? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Shipping Details

USA:

'

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the US within 10-15 business days

Premium: Trackable Delivery to most addresses in the US within 3-8 business days

UK:

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 7-9 business days.
Shipments are not trackable

Premium: Trackable delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 3-4 business days!
Add one extra business day for deliveries to Northern Ireland and Scottish Highlands and islands

EU:

Premium: Trackable delivery to most EU destinations within 4-9 business days.

Australia:

Economy: Can deliver to P. O. Boxes and private residences.
Trackable service with delivery to addresses in Australia only.
Delivery time ranges from 7-9 business days for VIC and 8-10 business days for Interstate metro
Delivery time is up to 15 business days for remote areas of WA, NT & QLD.

Premium: Delivery to addresses in Australia only
Trackable delivery to most P. O. Boxes and private residences in Australia within 4-5 days based on the distance to a destination following dispatch.

India:

Premium: Delivery to most Indian addresses within 5-6 business days

Rest of the World:

Premium: Countries in the American continent: Trackable delivery to most countries within 4-7 business days

Asia:

Premium: Delivery to most Asian addresses within 5-9 business days

Disclaimer:
All orders received before 5 PM U.K time would start printing from the next business day. So the estimated delivery times start from the next day as well. Orders received after 5 PM U.K time (in our internal systems) on a business day or anytime on the weekend will begin printing the second to next business day. For example, an order placed at 11 AM today will begin printing tomorrow, whereas an order placed at 9 PM tonight will begin printing the day after tomorrow.


Unfortunately, due to several restrictions, we are unable to ship to the following countries:

  1. Afghanistan
  2. American Samoa
  3. Belarus
  4. Brunei Darussalam
  5. Central African Republic
  6. The Democratic Republic of Congo
  7. Eritrea
  8. Guinea-bissau
  9. Iran
  10. Lebanon
  11. Libiya Arab Jamahriya
  12. Somalia
  13. Sudan
  14. Russian Federation
  15. Syrian Arab Republic
  16. Ukraine
  17. Venezuela
What is custom duty/charge? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customs duty are charges levied on goods when they cross international borders. It is a tax that is imposed on imported goods. These duties are charged by special authorities and bodies created by local governments and are meant to protect local industries, economies, and businesses.

Do I have to pay customs charges for the print book order? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

The orders shipped to the countries that are listed under EU27 will not bear custom charges. They are paid by Packt as part of the order.

List of EU27 countries: www.gov.uk/eu-eea:

A custom duty or localized taxes may be applicable on the shipment and would be charged by the recipient country outside of the EU27 which should be paid by the customer and these duties are not included in the shipping charges been charged on the order.

How do I know my custom duty charges? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

The amount of duty payable varies greatly depending on the imported goods, the country of origin and several other factors like the total invoice amount or dimensions like weight, and other such criteria applicable in your country.

For example:

  • If you live in Mexico, and the declared value of your ordered items is over $ 50, for you to receive a package, you will have to pay additional import tax of 19% which will be $ 9.50 to the courier service.
  • Whereas if you live in Turkey, and the declared value of your ordered items is over € 22, for you to receive a package, you will have to pay additional import tax of 18% which will be € 3.96 to the courier service.
How can I cancel my order? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Cancellation Policy for Published Printed Books:

You can cancel any order within 1 hour of placing the order. Simply contact customercare@packt.com with your order details or payment transaction id. If your order has already started the shipment process, we will do our best to stop it. However, if it is already on the way to you then when you receive it, you can contact us at customercare@packt.com using the returns and refund process.

Please understand that Packt Publishing cannot provide refunds or cancel any order except for the cases described in our Return Policy (i.e. Packt Publishing agrees to replace your printed book because it arrives damaged or material defect in book), Packt Publishing will not accept returns.

What is your returns and refunds policy? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Return Policy:

We want you to be happy with your purchase from Packtpub.com. We will not hassle you with returning print books to us. If the print book you receive from us is incorrect, damaged, doesn't work or is unacceptably late, please contact Customer Relations Team on customercare@packt.com with the order number and issue details as explained below:

  1. If you ordered (eBook, Video or Print Book) incorrectly or accidentally, please contact Customer Relations Team on customercare@packt.com within one hour of placing the order and we will replace/refund you the item cost.
  2. Sadly, if your eBook or Video file is faulty or a fault occurs during the eBook or Video being made available to you, i.e. during download then you should contact Customer Relations Team within 14 days of purchase on customercare@packt.com who will be able to resolve this issue for you.
  3. You will have a choice of replacement or refund of the problem items.(damaged, defective or incorrect)
  4. Once Customer Care Team confirms that you will be refunded, you should receive the refund within 10 to 12 working days.
  5. If you are only requesting a refund of one book from a multiple order, then we will refund you the appropriate single item.
  6. Where the items were shipped under a free shipping offer, there will be no shipping costs to refund.

On the off chance your printed book arrives damaged, with book material defect, contact our Customer Relation Team on customercare@packt.com within 14 days of receipt of the book with appropriate evidence of damage and we will work with you to secure a replacement copy, if necessary. Please note that each printed book you order from us is individually made by Packt's professional book-printing partner which is on a print-on-demand basis.

What tax is charged? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Currently, no tax is charged on the purchase of any print book (subject to change based on the laws and regulations). A localized VAT fee is charged only to our European and UK customers on eBooks, Video and subscriptions that they buy. GST is charged to Indian customers for eBooks and video purchases.

What payment methods can I use? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

You can pay with the following card types:

  1. Visa Debit
  2. Visa Credit
  3. MasterCard
  4. PayPal
What is the delivery time and cost of print books? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Shipping Details

USA:

'

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the US within 10-15 business days

Premium: Trackable Delivery to most addresses in the US within 3-8 business days

UK:

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 7-9 business days.
Shipments are not trackable

Premium: Trackable delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 3-4 business days!
Add one extra business day for deliveries to Northern Ireland and Scottish Highlands and islands

EU:

Premium: Trackable delivery to most EU destinations within 4-9 business days.

Australia:

Economy: Can deliver to P. O. Boxes and private residences.
Trackable service with delivery to addresses in Australia only.
Delivery time ranges from 7-9 business days for VIC and 8-10 business days for Interstate metro
Delivery time is up to 15 business days for remote areas of WA, NT & QLD.

Premium: Delivery to addresses in Australia only
Trackable delivery to most P. O. Boxes and private residences in Australia within 4-5 days based on the distance to a destination following dispatch.

India:

Premium: Delivery to most Indian addresses within 5-6 business days

Rest of the World:

Premium: Countries in the American continent: Trackable delivery to most countries within 4-7 business days

Asia:

Premium: Delivery to most Asian addresses within 5-9 business days

Disclaimer:
All orders received before 5 PM U.K time would start printing from the next business day. So the estimated delivery times start from the next day as well. Orders received after 5 PM U.K time (in our internal systems) on a business day or anytime on the weekend will begin printing the second to next business day. For example, an order placed at 11 AM today will begin printing tomorrow, whereas an order placed at 9 PM tonight will begin printing the day after tomorrow.


Unfortunately, due to several restrictions, we are unable to ship to the following countries:

  1. Afghanistan
  2. American Samoa
  3. Belarus
  4. Brunei Darussalam
  5. Central African Republic
  6. The Democratic Republic of Congo
  7. Eritrea
  8. Guinea-bissau
  9. Iran
  10. Lebanon
  11. Libiya Arab Jamahriya
  12. Somalia
  13. Sudan
  14. Russian Federation
  15. Syrian Arab Republic
  16. Ukraine
  17. Venezuela