Automate the Boring Stuff with Python: Practical Programming for Total Beginners

Finally, an intro programming book that is entertaining. The example projects are useful. Actually useful. And, quick to program.I have been programming for many years. I have been working with databases for the past 8 years, so my other programming skills have not kept pace mostly because I have no specific day to day use for Python or any other non-database language in my job. But, for some unknown reason, I wanted to learn Python. So, I tried a number of the usual "Learn Python in 36 Seconds" intro methods -- books and on-line tutorials. Boring. So, I would put in a one or two hours and never return.When I got "Automate the Boring Stuff", I skimmed over the intro: basic Python syntax chapters. Then, I hit the projects. I quickly realized my error when I could not remember basic syntax: like put that dreaded colon at the end of an IF or FOR statement. Every language wants to do that differently for some reason. So, I re-started the intro chapters. But, I quickly got back to the projects. First project was a copy to the clipboard task. Cool technology. Not exceptionally useful, but entertaining. And, it sure beat the heck out of the usual intro chapters of beginner books. By the time I hit the Excel chapter, I was hooked. And, automating data into and out Excel had a very high appeal to me. I have now completed 2 Excel projects of my own complete with modules to support the code. Each of my projects will save hours of tedious work every month. Also, I learned the limits of the Python Excel module: openpyxl. That was frustrating -- but a very good indicator that I had actually learned it. And, that pesky colon syntax now naturally comes at the end of IF and FOR statements -- another good indicator that I had learned something.I have to recommend this book to anyone who gets bored trying to learn a new language. Based on how the material is presented, this book should also serve well for first time programmers. And, automating a few tedious tasks does not hurt.

This is a great book for those who know how to use computer basics but are super beginners to programming in general.There are some issues I have with the book's methods, but I am giving it 5 stars because the author explicitly mentions these defects as an intentional part of the book, and the methods still really helped me get to the "meat" of programing basics.The book takes you through the basics of programming with python, a bit of history about the language, and takes the user through some of the most common functions. Sweigart explains the definitions of basic concepts, such as strings, integers, functions...etc...There are lots of review sessions and the projects at the end of the chapters really help you work out the syntax on your own.As the book progresses into more and more complex usages of the language all the while giving the user great examples of potential uses for programming for general office use, or as time saving techniques.The Pros:-easy to read, to the point but with enough description to teach you the concepts.-great introduction to programming in general, as well as the language-a supplemental website and reddit forum that can really help users with some of the concepts of the book.The Cons:-the style leaves out some common programming rules I discovered with supplemental work (he openly admits this is done to keep to the basics of syntax and language usage, it is an effective way to teach newbies).-some things should have had a little more attention. I feel the role of functions is so big, there should have been a little more emphasis on the scope of the use of the functionsI would highly recommend this book if you:A. are looking to do programming but do not know where to startandB. are comfortable with computers (you don't have to know the command line or be able ot build one from the ground up, but know how to use basic functions)C. Don't mind the stripped down explanation of things, sticking to concepts rather than form, or the "do's and don'ts" of proper usage

I am only a chapter into this book, but it has so far been the best programming book I have yet read. His examples are clear, and he does not just say, "now add x between a and b" as previous coding books have done, instead he lays out the code line by line, notes the line which code is on, and references the lines as he goes through it. He even repeats the code several times in examples in order to address different issues and explains why some things don't work. I feel as if, unlike other books I have read from other publishing companies, that No Starch Press actually proofreads and tests what they are putting into the world, and I think this author actually understands how to communicate and teach via a written medium.As I have moved further into this book, I can re-confirm my thoughts on it: It is by far the best programming book I have read. I have not yet encountered any errors or mistakes in it, and the author wrote his code and explained it line by line so that even someone as inexperienced as I am can learn from the code. I will absolutely be purchasing future books from No Starch Press as they publish quality material.I have moved further into this book, and I am still convinced that it is the best programming book I have read. While there are still points at which I am confused, or stumble, these are no way the fault of the author; but rather my own shortcomings and lack of experience with various aspects of computer programming. I plan on purchasing the second edition of this book so as to support the author for his incredible work in teaching and software development.