Beginning Python From novice to professional

Hetland's Beginning Python is an excellent book for individuals new to programming or those with intermediate programming skills. The author commences with very basic techniques, introducing command line inputs for algorithms, expressions, variables, functions, etc. Hetland (algorithms, Norwegian Univ. of Science and Technology) quickly develops more-advanced ideas, such as lists and tuples, dictionaries, and strings. Throughout the book, he presents a number of examples that are easy to implement and illustrate various aspects of the discussed topic. After dealing with these and other programming concepts, Hetland expands on Python's methods, properties, and object-oriented syntax. The concluding chapters include several fascinating projects that explore Python's many features. The book is beneficial for individuals interested in learning Python--by reading this work, readers will build a strong foundation in the language. However, it is important to note that this text serves as a reference book rather than a textbook, as there are no end-of-chapter problems. Other than this omission, the text is strongly recommended for those seeking to learn the Python language. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates; general readers. --Devon B. Mason, Albright College