Python Books

Quora brings up a lot of interesting questions from all around the world. An avid Quora reader myself, I absolutely love reading through the different questions and answers there. One of the questions that interested me was “To learn a programming language is it better to learn from a book or on-line courses on the Internet?”

Well, that answer would totally depend on how you intend to learn. If you just want to learn the syntax then some online classes would be more than fine. If you really want to learn the real power behind the language, then an in-depth online course or better you could grab a good book on it. So to all those Python learners out there, here we have compiled a list of the best python books out there for you to learn.

BEGINNER:

1. Learning Python

Written by Mark Lutz and David Ascher, Learning Python offers a comprehensive in-depth introduction to the core of Python language for any beginner. It covers basic topics of both 2.7.X as well as 3.X in much detail. Some of the topics covered are Types & Operations, statements and Syntax, Functions and Generators, Modules and packages and much more. The beginner chapter, a Q&A session on Python and especially why Python is a major highlight. The end chapter quizzes enable the reader to challenge himself on the topics covered. Therefore leaning Python is one of the best choices to get started in Python.

2.Learn Python the Hard way

Written by Zed Shaw and offered for free as pdfs. Learn python the hard way will give beginners with a perfect insight to the very basics. You can also learn a variety of basic things such as how to use the terminal or the text editor. This book focuses on more on learning by doing than subject theory. therefore for an absolute beginner, Learn Python the hard way is a good choice.

3.A Byte of Python

Targeted for the absolute beginners in programming, author Swaroop C. H has kept it short and brief. With a user-friendly introduction, and focus on scripting simple but meaningful programs. A Byte of Python is the best choice for a beginner to learn Python briefly.

INTERMEDIATE:

1.Python Essential Reference

Written by David M. Beazley, this book is the perfect go to reference book on Python. All the new features such as new style classes, unification of types and classes, xmlrpclip, intertools, bz2 and optparse the new library modules are all covered in the updated edition of this book which makes it the most up-to date book on Python in the market. Written in a clear and organized manner, it gives you a detailed overview and an insight to the real power of programming. For someone with a bit of basics and want to learn Python, Python Essential Reference is a must read.

2.Python CookBook

Written by David Beazley and Brian K. Jones, Python CookBook is for readers with a basic knowledge of Python. Readers who want to learn more on concepts such as data structure, data encoding and processing, functions, algorithms, classes and objects, system administration, modern tools and idioms, generators and iteration methods would find Python CookBook to be the best guide. Each recipe contains code samples written and tested in python 3.3, so that you can get to using them right away. For someone who wants to be good on Python, Python CookBook is a must read.

3. Scientific Computing in Python

Authored by Claus Führer, Jan Erik Solem, Olivier Verdie, Scientic Computing in Python3 demonstrates how to use Python for computing purposes such as in linear algebra, arrays, plotting, iterating, functions, polynomials, and much more. You get to explore numerical computing and mathematical libraries with SciPy and NumPy modules. Covering all major concepts and tools in scientific computing, this book is your go to guide and best reference for the same.

ADVANCED:

1.Black Hat python

Author Justin Seitz has aced how to teach security skills in python in his book Black Hat python. Targeted only for advanced Python users, this book comes as a huge boon for hackers and penetration testers to write better networking sniffers, infect virtual machines and manipulate packets and develop better hacker tools using python. A must have for any wanna be Hacker in Python.

2.Python for Data Analysis

Data Anaysis is all about collecting, cleaning, processing, crunching and studying raw data to bring out better insights on the subject matter. One of the best tools used in Python for the same is the pandas library and Wes Mckinney, one of the main authors of the pandas library has brought out a hands on book packed with practical case studies to guide you through understanding and implementing various tools and libraries used for the same. Easy to read and targeted for advanced Python users, Python for Data Analysis is your comprehensive guide to data analysis in Python.

3.Violent Python: A Cookbook For Hackers, Forensic Analysts, Penetration Testers And Security Engineers

TJ O’Connor in his book Violent Python: A Cookbook For Hackers, Forensic Analysts, Penetration Testers And Security Engineers teaches you concepts in security, hacking, forensics, tool integration for complicated protocols etc in the most simple and easy to understand style. You can also learn how to automate large network attacks, extract meta data, intercept and analyze network traffic, spoof wireless frames to attack wireless and bluetooth devices, data mine social media websites and so on. In terms of language and concepts, TJ O’Connor has aced how to teach the advanced topics in python in simple terms, bringing out the perfect go to book for the same.

Have more books to add-on to this list? Comment them below, we would love to hear from you.

Meanwhile, Have fun with Python!