Ask any Python aficionado and you'll hear that Python programmers have it all: an elegant language that offers object-oriented programming support, a readable, maintainable syntax, integration with C components, and an enormous collection of precoded standard library and extension modules. Moreover, Python is easy to learn but powerful enough to take on the most ambitious programming challenges. But what Python programmers have lacked is one concise and clear reference resource, with the appropriate measure of guidance in how best to use Python's great power. Now Python in a Nutshell fills this need. In the tradition of O'Reilly's "In a Nutshell" series, this book offers Python programmers one place to look when they need help remembering or deciphering the syntax of this open source language and its many modules. This comprehensive reference guide makes it easy to look up all the most frequently needed information--not just about the Python language itself, but also the most frequently used parts of the standard library and the most important third-party extensions. Python in a Nutshell focuses on Python 2.2 (and all its point releases), currently the most stable and widespread Python release. This book includes:

• A fast-paced tutorial on the syntax of the Python language itself

• An explanation of object-oriented programming in Python, covering both the classic and new-style object models

• Coverage of other core topics, including exceptions, modules, strings, and regular expressions

• A quick reference for Python's built-in types and functions, as well as the key modules in the Python standard library, including sys, os, time, thread, math, and socket, among many others

• Reference material on important third-party extensions, such as Numeric and Tkinter

• Information about extending Python and embedding it into other applications

Python in a Nutshell provides a solid, no-nonsense quick reference to information that programmers rely on the most. This latest addition to the best-selling "In a Nutshell" series will immediately earn its place in any Python programmer's library.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 40 Ratings

Great book - a little lenghty for a nutshell - 2008-03-17
Reviewer Rating:
I keep coming back to this book, either to clarify what other books needlessly complicate or simply don't include. As a nutshell book, I would say it is more of a fairly comprehensive reference. Its discussion and explanation of python elements, which tend to make it more of a comprehensive manual and less of a nutshell are very much appreciated. The book's well thought out layout and well self-sustained sections allow you to actually sit down and read this book to learn from and not just use as a passing reference from time to time. I pair this book with Beazley's Python, Essential Reference, which I think actually takes more of a 'nutshell spirit of presentation'. Between the two, they are my most often go-to books while in the coding process.

Just Good Enough - 2009-02-15
Reviewer Rating:
Just good enough, I do not recommend it. In case that you really want to profit your time go directly to the "Python Cookbook" from O'Reilly.

Not a Nutshell - 2009-02-23
Reviewer Rating:
On the downside, there was a few chapters to read through before I actually started programming. On the upside, I really enjoyed reading it. This is a great book if you'd like to hear about the different types of Python. It's not a particularly good book if you'd like to learn Python in a reasonable amount of time to finish a project.

Excellent reference book for Python. Not for learning, but great reference. - 2009-03-16
Reviewer Rating:
This book is strictly a reference book. It contains snippets of examples and detailed explanations about each Python function/features. It is very, very good for that. The section on strings, for example, contains about 15 pages on every possible string methods, and a brief example. Perfect for a reference.

In a Nutshell is correct. - 2009-02-10
Reviewer Rating:
A great reference book, but alone it wouldn't be my way to learn the language; it's a bit terse for that. However, with the other book I got "for beginners" (that be me), they make a great pair.

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