Python Distilled
by David M. Beazley · first published 2021
90% recommend10% neutral
Why HN recommends it
A concise, well-written guide to Python fundamentals and intermediate features. It serves as a refresher or fills gaps in language knowledge, and suits programmers already comfortable with another language.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
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* Python Distilled by Dave Beazley - "this concise handbook focuses on the essential core of the language, with updated code examples to illuminate how Python works and how to structure programs that can be more easily…
on “Ask HN: Beginner to Competent in Python: How would you approach it?” ↗…refresher that outlines Python language fundamentals, I recommend "Introducing Python, 2nd Edition" (2019) by Bill Lubanovic [0]. Another really cool introduction that's filled with intermediate tricks is "Python Distilled" by Dave Beazley [1] (2021). A couple of nice intermediate books: "Intuitive Python - Productive Development for Projects that Last" by David Muller [2] (2021). "Serious Python" by Julien Danjou [3]…
on “Ask HN: Python Programming Books” ↗Some that I've read and enjoyed: - Introducing Python, 2nd Edition by Bill Lubanovic (Beginner Level) - Python Distilled, David M. Beazley (Beginner to Intermediate Level) - Effective Python (2nd Edition), Brett Slatkin (Intermediate Level) - Fluent Python (2nd Edition), Luciano Ramalho (Advanced Level) - CPython Internals,…
on “Ask HN: Python Programming Books” ↗"The Algorithm Design Manual" by Skiena to prep for algo interviews, in case hiring picks up again. "The Two Towers" by Tolkien, I last read them in high school and wanted to revisit Middle-earth. "Python Distilled" by Beazley - I'm using it to iron out some of my knowledge gaps with the language. It's well-written and informative!
on “Ask HN: What are you reading Feb 2024” ↗+1 to "Effective Python" [1]. It's a great book if you're already familiar with the language, and interested in learning more about Python internals. "Serious Python" [2] and "Python Distilled" [3] are two other good options for intermediate-advanced programmers. [1] https://effectivepython.com/ [2] https://nostarch.com/seriouspython [3] http://www.dabeaz.com/python-distilled/
on “Ask HN: Python Programming Books” ↗See also "Python Distilled" by this author (https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/python-distilled/978013...) — this pragmatic guide provides a concise narrative related to fundamental programming topics such as data abstraction,…
on “Practical Python Programming Course” ↗…particular order or preference: * Think Python 2nd Edition (or How to think like a computer scientist. More recently, "Learn python the right way" based on same book.) * Fluent Python 2nd Edition, Ramalho * Python Distilled, Dave Baezley
on “Show HN: A 100% free and interactive Python course for coding beginners” ↗…to look into his new courses, which cover a much broader set of topics (and are not Python-specific)! [2] Also, if you do happen to be a Python programmer, be sure to check out his most recent book,“Python Distilled”[3]! [1] https://dabeaz-course.github.io/practical-python/ [2] https://www.dabeaz.com/courses.html [3] https://www.amazon.com/Python-Essential-Reference-Developers...
on “Advanced Python Mastery – A Course by David Beazley” ↗I found the book “Python Distilled” got me up to speed quickly after not doing a ton of Python for about a decade.
on “Ask HN: How to get back to programming Python?” ↗When I need a refresher on the basics of Python, I refer to Python Distilled, and when I want a deep dive, I turn to Fluent Python. Reading these books makes me feel like I'm sitting next to an experienced, witty colleague. I will take a look at Python Crash Course.
on “Mathematics for Computer Science (2018) [pdf]” ↗Has this one been replaced by "Python Distilled" by Beazley? Just curious.
on “Ask HN: What's the best desk reference book for Python and other languages?” ↗