Python Crash Course, 3rd Edition: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming

This is without a doubt the best introduction to any programming language you will find. This book takes a hands on approach to learning Python. Concepts are explained clearly and examples and counter-examples are littered throughout each chapters. I like the direct/no waste time with useless preamble approach to explaining key concepts. The explanations are as succinct as it can get. The writer give general advice like not making your solution too generic initially but focus on solving the problem at hand first and then make the code more elaborate. The writer give off a patient tone as he encourages the reader to not be too hard on themselves when they make mistakes but view this as part of the learning process. He gives his own experience and also that of other programmers to encourage the reader to realistically evaluate their circumstances. What I like most about this book is that the exercises are intersperced between the sections within the chapters. That way you get to practice just after learning a new concept. There are final exercises incorporating what was covered in the chapter, the they do not seem to be a summary of all the content. I am reviewing now 23/02/2025. I have read the first 9 chapters and i am currently on chapter 10. When I am done i will update this review.I use Jupter Notebooks to complete exercises. I head the first cell with the problem number and title and set it as a mark-down cell so it heads that mini section and the code window below contains my solution. That way I have all exercises for a chapter in one file and can easily scroll up to see previous solutions and copy code which the problems requests at times. In the end I envisage I will have 20 files - one per chapter.

Python Crash Course by Eric Matthes is a standout guide for anyone looking to master Python programming. This book brilliantly balances depth and accessibility, making it perfect for beginners and intermediate learners alike. The clear explanations, practical examples, and well-structured progression cover everything from basics like data structures to advanced topics like data analysis and web development. The hands-on exercises and projects, such as building a game or visualizing data, keep you engaged and reinforce learning effectively. Matthes’ teaching style is approachable yet thorough, ensuring you not only understand Python but also gain the confidence to apply it creatively. A must-have resource for coding enthusiasts!

I highly recommend this book for those starting out with Python. The author walks through all of the key elements and provides clear code examples. Each chapter builds on what was previously covered. When there are more than one way to achieve a result the most efficient way is described with the reasoning behind that selection.

As good as the previous edition, but now with VS Code, which is pretty good since VS Code is now the standard for most coding projects, and jobs, I highly recommend this book to anyone getting into Python programming or just starting to learn to code.Things I wish I could get more out of, this book does not go into detail on path finding for individual libraries and other add on you will have to get, thus some part of your programming learning experience will be hindered by the inability to make the things the book request of you possible, and then you end up in the internet, which if you got this book like me, it is because the internet just helps you procrastinate, which I did, a lot.

What a fantastic book! I've been taking online classes on Python, but this book has solidified all the concepts. The instructions are clear and fairly comprehensive. It starts with foundational concepts, such as variables, and gradually progresses to classes and finally projects.I just finished working with user inputs and while loops, and it helped improve my understanding of the different Python loops and how to apply them. However, this book should be used in conjunction with VSCode, a terminal, and an integrated AI assistant.Having all these resources helps accelerate your learning of the concepts. If you've been struggling like I have, this book can make a difference! Give it a try 🤓

It's amazing!! Just bought it for myself but I'll buy it again as a gift to my bro because he's always been interested in learning how to code.Definitely a book I would recommend to anyone who's looking to get into coding.If you feel unsure of buying this book, I promise you if you have the funds for it, you won't regret your purchase.

First, I must say that I have wasted several years behind an "aversion" or fear of learning to code, I had very bad experiences and I always felt rushing on time so I left coding for several years .But last month I got this book and although it was hard for me at the beginning I'm now enchanted with learning to program and code. This book goes step by step and explains everything covered in the index. It contains code examples and gives you an explanation of (almost) every code line, what, how and why the code uses certain keywords, methods, libraries, etc.You can pace your learning and learn a lot, it also includes a github repository where to get the code used, but I personally prefer writing it by myself. As a personal learning method, I like to take handwritten notes or summaries, even practice the code by hand(writing) and it has worked great for me. I'm now in chapter 11, and after my experience with this material I hope to get more books from this publishing and/or author.

I purchased multiple times, one for myself, others for my friends. I strongly recommend this book as an introduction to python.