Gain a fundamental understanding of Python’s syntax and features with this up–to–date introduction and practical reference. Covering a wide array of Python–related programming topics, including addressing language internals, database integration, network programming, and web services, you’ll be guided by sound development principles. Ten accompanying projects will ensure you can get your hands dirty in no time.

Updated to reflect the latest in Python programming paradigms and several of the most crucial features found in Python 3, Beginning Python also covers advanced topics such as extending Python and packaging/distributing Python applications.

What You’ll Learn

• Become a proficient Python programmer by following along with a friendly, practical guide to the language’s key features
• Write code faster by learning how to take advantage of advanced features such as magic methods, exceptions, and abstraction
• Gain insight into modern Python programming paradigms including testing, documentation, packaging, and distribution
• Learn by following along with ten interesting projects, including a P2P file–sharing application, chat client, video game, remote text editor, and more

Who This Book Is For

Programmers, novice and otherwise, seeking a comprehensive introduction to the Python programming language.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Instant Hacking: The Basics
Chapter 2: Lists and Tuples
Chapter 3: Working with Strings
Chapter 4: Dictionaries: When Indices Won’t Do
Chapter 5: Conditionals, Loops, and Some Other Statements
Chapter 6: Abstraction
Chapter 7: More Abstraction
Chapter 8: Exceptions
Chapter 9: Magic Methods, Properties, and Iterators
Chapter 10: Batteries Included
Chapter 11: Files and Stuff
Chapter 12: Graphical User Interfaces
Chapter 13: Database Support
Chapter 14: Network Programming
Chapter 15: Python and the Web
Chapter 16: Testing, 1-2-3
Chapter 17: Extending Python
Chapter 18: Packaging Your Programs
Chapter 19: Playful Programming
Chapter 20: Project 1: Instant Markup
Chapter 21: Project 2: Painting a Pretty Picture
Chapter 22: Project 3: XML for All Occasions
Chapter 23: Project 4: In the News
Chapter 24: Project 5: A Virtual Tea Party
Chapter 25: Project 6: Remote Editing with CGI
Chapter 26: Project 7: Your Own Bulletin Board
Chapter 27: Project 8: File Sharing with XML-RPC
Chapter 28: Project 9: File Sharing II—Now with GUI!
Chapter 29: Project 10: Do-It-Yourself Arcade Game
Appendix A: The Short Version
Appendix B: Python Reference