Python Pocket Reference

Python is a fast and easy to use language, though learning how to think in python, especially if coming from a more c-style language can take a while regardless of what book you're reading. This book won't help you with that. What it will do, is provide you with most (if not all) of the most-advanced features of python in a way that is really easy to digest for an intermediate/upper-beginner level python programmer. This book explains things that are not easy to find on the web or not apparent that they even exist in python (because, let's face it, python can be pretty magical at times). This book can be the catalyst that puts you well on your way to becoming an advanced python programmer. And all that from a tiny reference book!

I read various reviews complaining about the lack of an index. Well, it does have one now and it complements perfectly what is a fantastic quick reference for many of your Python needs, from built-in modules to regular expressions. Of course, it does not include the formal grammar of the language, a complete reference of libraries available or anything other than quick pointers for someone who already knows what Python is but is not a guru yet (although anyone can forget how to open a file from time to time).

This reference book is great for any beginner. I have recently picked up Python as my first language and have found myself commonly grabbing my reference book, going to the index, and looking up what I need. This along with the Python in a Nutshell book are my saving grace.

While this is not the tool for learning Python, it is a valuable reference. It is amazing how much information that is packed into this small format. Toss it into your laptop bag for a quick reference, particularly since the third edition contains an index and covers Python 2.4. With so many useful applications using Python as a macro language (e.g. Testmaker), this handy reference will earn its keep. I wonder if O'Reilly has a Ruby on the way, since they have mastered the format. Of course, there is always the online documentation, if you are online.

This is a very handy and nice-looking reference to Python. With concise documentation on most of the common modules and built-ins, I find it indispensible when I'm working quickly. This is a great little book to carry around in your bag, because it's small and unobtrusive.Makes a great companion to the online documentation, and is a handy first reference. Complex questions should refer to the documentation, but this is great for quick questions.