Some programmers say that Python is a great first language to learn while others claim that it is a great last language to learn!!!! Whatever the case, it is indisputable that Python is an extremely popular language to learn. According to the TIOBE Index, Python is among other top three most popular programming languages in the world currently, and this extraordinary growth is only set to increase. Keeping this in mind, if you want to learn Python, there are many resources available in the market. These can include books or even online courses.
In this article, we have compiled the best books for Python, both for ranked amateurs and programming whiz kids!!! Each of these books is extremely popular so it is up to you to choose the ones you like according to your learning sensibilities. So without further ado, let’s see them!
What is Python Language?
Python is known as an object-oriented dynamic and high-level programming language with strong built-in data structures, along with dynamic binding and dynamic typing thus making it attractive for Rapid Application Development and can be used as scripting or glue language to connect existing components together.
First, let’s start simple and focus on the best Python books for beginners, and then we will move on to more complicated books!
Best Python Books for Beginners
1. Python Crash Course: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming (2nd Edition)
If you want a crash course in Python, fear not!!! The Python Crash Course is an excellent book that provides a thorough introduction to Python that will have you writing programs and solving problems in no time! As you work through this book, you will learn various Python Libraries and tools (NumPy, Pygal, etc.), make basic Python 2-D games, create customizable web apps, and so on…
The Python Crash Course is basically divided into 2 parts, with the first part focusing on writing correct programs and adding them to a project. The second part is much more fun! It focuses on more practical applications of Python with three substantial projects: a Space Invaders-type arcade game, data visualizations using Python libraries, and a basic web app. Buy Python Crash Course Book
2. Head-First Python: A Brain-Friendly Guide (2nd Edition)
In case you are bored of slogging through Python how-to manuals, then Head-First Python is the way to go! This book is a brain-friendly guide (As its name suggests!) and provides a more visual format to engage your brain rather than a text-heavy approach that can become boring quickly.
Head-First Python starts the Python journey with the In-Built Data Structures and functions and moves on to Python web apps, database management, exception handling, data wrangling, etc. Interesting topics such as comprehensions, context managers, decorators, and generators are all available for you to learn. Head-First Python is basically a multi-sensory learning experience that will help you in becoming a bonafide Python programmer! Buy Head-First Python Book
3. Learn Python the Hard Way: 3rd Edition
Learning Python the hard way is well worth it! This book will teach you Python using 52 brilliantly crafted exercises. You have to type the code for these exercises precisely (Without copying and pasting!) and then fix the mistakes you made and run the code. This will teach you how to write good code and the tricks to fix mistakes that professional programmers use.
Learn Python the Hard Way starts by helping you install a complete Python environment and then moves on to Basic mathematics, Variables, Strings, Data structures, Object-Oriented Programming, and other important topics. This book claims to reward you for every minute you put into it with the end result that you’ll know one of the world’s most powerful and popular programming languages!!! Buy Learn Python the Hard Way Book
4. Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science (3rd Edition)
Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science is ideal if you want to understand the standard computer science concepts using a very non-standard language, Python!!! This book tries to explain basic computer science concepts as simply as possible without coming across as simplistic. It can also be used as a standard textbook for your first computing course in college as it focuses on the core skills of computer science such as designing, programming, and most importantly problem-solving. Buy Python Programming Book
Best Python Books for Intermediates/Experts
1. Python Cookbook: Recipes for Mastering Python 3 (3rd Edition)
The Python Cookbook provides a delicious combination of Python recipes that will allow you to learn to program in Python 3 or update your knowledge in Python 2. These yummy recipes will allow you to become an expert Python cook with a focus on the core Python language and also the common tasks relating to Python applications.
This cookbook is among the best Python books that contain recipes on topics such as Data Structures and Algorithms, Iterators and Generators, Data Encoding and Processing, Functions, Classes and Objects, Concurrency, and many more. Each of these recipes contains a problem and the solution to that problem along with code samples for better understanding. And that’s not enough, my friends! A discussion is also provided that focuses on the solution and how it works. Buy Python Cookbook Book
2. Introduction to Machine Learning with Python: A Guide for Data Scientists (1st Edition)
Machine Learning is currently a hot topic with multiple applications that are only restricted by your imagination! So Introduction to Machine Learning with Python tries to expand your imagination by teaching you methods to create your own machine learning solutions using Python and the scikit-learn library.
This book starts with the fundamentals of Machine Learning and then moves on to the advantages and disadvantages of various machine learning algorithms. Then it deals with various advanced topics such as data processing, model evaluation, pipelines, etc. In short, you will essentially use Python to improve your Machine Learning skills. Buy Introduction to Machine Learning with Python Book
3. Fluent Python: Clear, Concise, and Effective Programming (1st Edition)
If you want to be fluent in Python my friends, Fluent Python is the book for you!!! It is a hands-on guide that will thoroughly instruct you in writing the most efficient Python code by using the best (and also the most neglected!) features of Python. This is necessary as most programmers try to fit patterns they learned with other languages onto Python and consequently never learn its best features.
Fluent Python first covers the Python data model and then moves on to data structures, functions, Object-oriented idioms, Control flow, Metaprogramming, etc. It is a complete tour of the Python core features and libraries that will ultimately teach you to make your code shorter, faster, and more readable. Buy Fluent Python Book
4. Programming Python: Powerful Object-Oriented Programming (4th Edition)
If you have understood Python fundamentals and now want to get some real work done, then Programming Python is the book for you! This Python book will help you get an in-depth education about the primary application domains of Python such as system administration, GUI, web applications, databases, networking, etc. with the help of lots of examples.
The topics included in Programming Python start with a Quick Python tour and then explore System programming, GUI programming, Internet programming, etc. All of these concepts are explained in a clear and concise manner using many examples to make sure you get them right. Buy Programming Python Book
5. Grokking Algorithms: An illustrated Guide For Programmers and Other Curious People (1st Edition)
Learning about algorithms in Python doesn’t have to be boring! Grokking Algorithms aptly demonstrate this as it breaks away from the monotony of reading the dense multi-page proofs available in most algorithm textbooks. This is one of the best books for Python that deals with teaching algorithms in a fun and engaging way using lots of illustrations. Grokking Algorithms start with easier topics such as sorting and searching and eventually move on to much more complex topics like data compression, artificial intelligence, etc. All of these topics are presented using helpful illustrations along with code samples in Python. Buy Grokking Algorithms Book
Conclusion
So these were the best Python books for both beginners and experts, hence if you want to learn the language you can choose accordingly and create your own path. Python is a growing career and it is also the most demanding programming language used by beginners and professionals as well. It allows you to create some amazing, fully-functional applications.
Also, Read
FAQs – Best Books to Learn Python
Q1: Is Python Still Worth Learning In 2023?
Yes, Python is still worth learning in 2023 due to its versatility and the ability to boost the coding skills of developers.
Q2: Is It Possible To Learn Python From a Book?
It is important to find a proper resource if you are starting to learn a proper skill and then connect to a guide. Also, there are many amazing books that you can use to gain proper knowledge.
Q3: Which Python Book Is Best For Beginners?
These are the best Python books for beginners:
- Python Crash Course: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming (2nd Edition)
- Head-First Python: A Brain-Friendly Guide (2nd Edition)
- Learn Python the Hard Way: 3rd Edition
- Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science (3rd Edition)
