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Head First Series
Head First Python: A Brain-Friendly Guide
Ever wished you could learn Python from a book? Head First Python is a complete learning experience for Python that helps you learn the language through a unique method that goes beyond syntax and how-to manuals, helping you understand how to be a great Python programmer. You'll quickly learn the language's fundamentals, then move onto persistence, exception handling, web development, SQLite, data wrangling, and Google App Engine. You'll also learn how to write mobile apps for Android, all thanks to the power that Python gives you. We think your time is too valuable to waste struggling with new concepts. Using the latest research in cognitive science and learning theory to craft a multi-sensory learning experience, Head First Python uses a visually rich format designed for the way your brain works, not a text-heavy approach that puts you to sleep.
491 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
373 people are currently reading
931 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 10, 2020
This is my very first book on Python, and on programming as well. Picked it up after seeing several web sites recommending this book as a good beginner book. When I was going through the introductory part of the book, I was a bit worried as it stated that a bit of knowledge in programming is expected, but it turned out not to be the case.
The content is very clear and prepared in a manner that is understood by all. I also loved the style of the book as well (since this is my first 'Head First') and was happy to find out that I'm not one of those who isn't a big fan of 'Head First' style.
First few chapters provide a strong foundation to the language and moves in to complicated stuff from that point on very quickly. For me, it became a little too complicated in MySQL chapter, mainly because all I got was errors. However, I later found out that's because I've been using a different version of MySQL.
So in my opinion, this book is perfect for anyone who's new to Python, or in my case, who's new to programming altogether.
The content is very clear and prepared in a manner that is understood by all. I also loved the style of the book as well (since this is my first 'Head First') and was happy to find out that I'm not one of those who isn't a big fan of 'Head First' style.
First few chapters provide a strong foundation to the language and moves in to complicated stuff from that point on very quickly. For me, it became a little too complicated in MySQL chapter, mainly because all I got was errors. However, I later found out that's because I've been using a different version of MySQL.
So in my opinion, this book is perfect for anyone who's new to Python, or in my case, who's new to programming altogether.
February 26, 2011
Book review: Head First Python by Paul Barry
I just finished reading "Head First Python" and had great fun doing so.
I Think that this is a great book for the beginning Python developer. But unlike a lot of other books that aim for beginners, good practices aren't ignored for the sake of simplicity. The practices are explained and used.
The head first series can take some getting used to. Whenever I talk to someone about the head first books I advice them to borrow a copy before buying or take a look at the Google books version of the book. The style just isn't for everybody. But what I have seen so far is that the style works. The pretty pictures, the repetition and the way context is given continuously make you grock and remember what you read easily.
When you want to think about if the book is for you, the author categorizes the book as follows:
This book is for you if you can answer "yes" to all of these:
- Do you already know how to program in another programming language?
- Do you wish you had the know-how to program Python, add it to your list of tools, and make it do new things?
- Do you prefer actually doing things and applying the stuff you learn over listening to someone in a lecture rattle on for hours on end?
This book is not for you if you can answer "yes" to any of these:
- Are you looking for a reference book to Python, one that covers all the details in excruciating detail?
- Do you already know most of what you need to know to program with Python?
- Would you rather have your toenails pulled out by 15 screaming monkeys than learn something new? Do you believe a Python book should cover everything and if it bores the reader to tears in the process then so much the better?
And I agree to these rules. It's not a reference book, it isn't the Python bible. It is hands on and a good start for learning Python. But if you are an experienced developer be prepared for a quick read. I read it in three evenings and sometimes things where explained that shouldn't be explained to someone who already knows how to program in another programming language. But that is a thin line.
The book is pretty broad. a sample of the topics:
Python syntax
Setting up your environment
Sharing code with PyPi
Data manipulation
File handling
Web development
Mobile development with an android
Building scalable apps with Google App Engine
Many books for beginners leave out good practices because it might confuse the reader and take their mind of the things the book is trying to teach. "Head first Python" is a welcome change to this. As an example I loved quotes like these:
"As a general rule, Python programmers look for ways to reduce the amount of code they need to write and worry about, which leads to better code robustness, fewer errors, and a good night's sleep."
And on page 31:
"Recursion to the rescue!
The use of a recursive function has allowed you to reduce 14 lines of messy,
hard-to-understand, brain-hurting code into a six-line function. Unlike the
earlier code that needs to be amended to support additional nested lists
(should the movie buff require them), the recursive function does not need to
change to process any depth of nested lists properly."
original review posted here: http://blog.softwarefun.nl/?p=64
by Kees Dijk
I just finished reading "Head First Python" and had great fun doing so.
I Think that this is a great book for the beginning Python developer. But unlike a lot of other books that aim for beginners, good practices aren't ignored for the sake of simplicity. The practices are explained and used.
The head first series can take some getting used to. Whenever I talk to someone about the head first books I advice them to borrow a copy before buying or take a look at the Google books version of the book. The style just isn't for everybody. But what I have seen so far is that the style works. The pretty pictures, the repetition and the way context is given continuously make you grock and remember what you read easily.
When you want to think about if the book is for you, the author categorizes the book as follows:
This book is for you if you can answer "yes" to all of these:
- Do you already know how to program in another programming language?
- Do you wish you had the know-how to program Python, add it to your list of tools, and make it do new things?
- Do you prefer actually doing things and applying the stuff you learn over listening to someone in a lecture rattle on for hours on end?
This book is not for you if you can answer "yes" to any of these:
- Are you looking for a reference book to Python, one that covers all the details in excruciating detail?
- Do you already know most of what you need to know to program with Python?
- Would you rather have your toenails pulled out by 15 screaming monkeys than learn something new? Do you believe a Python book should cover everything and if it bores the reader to tears in the process then so much the better?
And I agree to these rules. It's not a reference book, it isn't the Python bible. It is hands on and a good start for learning Python. But if you are an experienced developer be prepared for a quick read. I read it in three evenings and sometimes things where explained that shouldn't be explained to someone who already knows how to program in another programming language. But that is a thin line.
The book is pretty broad. a sample of the topics:
Python syntax
Setting up your environment
Sharing code with PyPi
Data manipulation
File handling
Web development
Mobile development with an android
Building scalable apps with Google App Engine
Many books for beginners leave out good practices because it might confuse the reader and take their mind of the things the book is trying to teach. "Head first Python" is a welcome change to this. As an example I loved quotes like these:
"As a general rule, Python programmers look for ways to reduce the amount of code they need to write and worry about, which leads to better code robustness, fewer errors, and a good night's sleep."
And on page 31:
"Recursion to the rescue!
The use of a recursive function has allowed you to reduce 14 lines of messy,
hard-to-understand, brain-hurting code into a six-line function. Unlike the
earlier code that needs to be amended to support additional nested lists
(should the movie buff require them), the recursive function does not need to
change to process any depth of nested lists properly."
original review posted here: http://blog.softwarefun.nl/?p=64
by Kees Dijk
May 30, 2013
Oooo I hate the style of this book. About halfway through, one of my bosses realized that I wasn't learning anything from it and gave me a different Python book to read. It is probably a very good book for some people as it tries to make everything interesting and fun. I just can't stand having jokes everywhere and ridiculous activities to do. It definitely isn't my learning style.
April 29, 2016
Ugh. I hate the cutesy style of this book. Tossing it into the "Sell to Half Price" box. There are so many better books on the market. (Ones that don't waste space on useless graphics and hand-holding baby-talk.)
January 1, 2012
boring, Totally inappropriate examples, poor unlike other headfirst books
May 11, 2019
This book is NOT definitely the best book to begin with Python. For the following reasons:
1. First 100 pages (almost) of this book and the primary focus was "List", which is basically one of four data structures in Python. I understand the importance of it and why it needs a thorough elucidation but I got utterly bored when they kept explaining the same thing in different ways. Could've made a better and concise explanation.
2. Impractical exercises. They will just give you a string and ask you to transform it into another string by applying certain methods (WOW!). This book assumes that you know pretty much basic of programming or any other programming language but gives you exercises which are good only for 14-year-old who has just begin to learn to code.
3. A lil Out-Dated. Python has lately become immensely popular due to its usage in Data Science. So if your main motive to learn Python is Data Science (like me), then I recommend you not to touch this book for your own good.
I had read Head First JAVA which is actually a good back and I had same expectations for this book but... the end result was just DISAPPOINTMENT.
AGAIN! I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND READ OTHER REVIEWS BEFORE PURCHASING
1. First 100 pages (almost) of this book and the primary focus was "List", which is basically one of four data structures in Python. I understand the importance of it and why it needs a thorough elucidation but I got utterly bored when they kept explaining the same thing in different ways. Could've made a better and concise explanation.
2. Impractical exercises. They will just give you a string and ask you to transform it into another string by applying certain methods (WOW!). This book assumes that you know pretty much basic of programming or any other programming language but gives you exercises which are good only for 14-year-old who has just begin to learn to code.
3. A lil Out-Dated. Python has lately become immensely popular due to its usage in Data Science. So if your main motive to learn Python is Data Science (like me), then I recommend you not to touch this book for your own good.
I had read Head First JAVA which is actually a good back and I had same expectations for this book but... the end result was just DISAPPOINTMENT.
AGAIN! I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND READ OTHER REVIEWS BEFORE PURCHASING
October 14, 2016
আমার পড়া এই সিরিজের সবচেয়ে বাজে বই। সাধারণ বিষয় থেকে শুরু করে ওয়েব অ্যাপ, মোবাইল অ্যাপ, ডেটাবেজও নিয়ে এসছে। আসলে এভাবে চৌদ্ধটা বিষয় এনে কোন বিষয়কেই ঠিকমত টাচ করেনি। ধুমধাম একটা থেকে আরেকটা লাফিয়েছে। প্রোগ্রামিং এর 'প'-ও না জেনে এভাবে কয়েক পৃষ্ঠার মধ্যেই 'ইহাকেই রিকার্সান বলে' মার্কা রিকার্সান জেনে আসলেই কিছু কেউ বুঝতে পারবে কি না আমার সন্দেহ আছে। ব্লা ব্লা। আসলে পড়ে কোন আরাম পাইনি। টুকিটাকি বিষয়ের জন্য হুকুশ পাকুশই ভালো। ইয়ে হ্যারি পটারও পাইথন জানে। :D
February 11, 2019
Solid intro to Python. I think. lol. But who knows? Haven't read many of these.
Anyway, liked how you worked through real-world problems and coded along with the author. Seemed like a pretty natural way to learn. The book helped ground me in the Python universe; from storing data by Pickle, to SQLite and Google App Engine, defining functions, Android apps and CGI scripts. There is a lot here but so much more to learn.
I do have a much better feel for the landscape of Python.
Anyway, liked how you worked through real-world problems and coded along with the author. Seemed like a pretty natural way to learn. The book helped ground me in the Python universe; from storing data by Pickle, to SQLite and Google App Engine, defining functions, Android apps and CGI scripts. There is a lot here but so much more to learn.
I do have a much better feel for the landscape of Python.
June 16, 2012
Really hard to apply the examples to real-world needs, which isn't the case in other Head First books I've used. Also the Monty Python references became irritating by the end of the introduction. Not bad otherwise, I like the way it uses petition and practice to really teach the ideas, not just explain them.
March 19, 2020
great book, but the sql commands do not work anymore. You will have to install an older version of mysql in order to follow along with this book. each chapter builds on the previous chapter, so you need this to work. i spent a ton of time trying to just get mysql working. be prepared to troubleshoot.
December 27, 2018
the use of real-world examples was helpful, but it wasn't direct enough for me.
August 7, 2019
Not very useful.
October 24, 2019
It is an ok book not the best not the worst.
July 27, 2021
نسبت به سایر کتابهای مجموعه Head First کتاب python بسیار خسته کننده بود. از اونجا که تجارب قبلی ام از این مجموعه خیلی خوب بود، این کتاب رو به عنوان مرجع آموزشی برای کسی انتخاب کردن ولی متاسفانه به خاطر همین کسل کنندگی، سرعت و کیفیت آموزش رو کم کرد.
کتاب نکات بسیار مهم و قابل توجهی رو مطرح می کنه که شاید در خیلی کتب برنامه نویسی دیگه گفته نشه، اما شیوه بیان و مسئله ای که کل کتاب جز فصل آخر درگیرش هست اصلا جذاب نیست. پیش فرض کتاب اینه که خواننده کمی برنامه نویسی، به ویژه زبانهای c-style بلده. کتاب شدیدا خودخوان هست، بیش از حد تحمل هرچیزی رو توضیح می ده و اونقدر این توضیحات با تکرار و تاکید هست که آدم خسته می شه. شاید اگر کمی از این همه تکرار و تاکید کم می کرد و بیشتر به مباحث متنوع یا حل مسائل مختلف می پرداخت، جذابتر بود.
کتاب نکات بسیار مهم و قابل توجهی رو مطرح می کنه که شاید در خیلی کتب برنامه نویسی دیگه گفته نشه، اما شیوه بیان و مسئله ای که کل کتاب جز فصل آخر درگیرش هست اصلا جذاب نیست. پیش فرض کتاب اینه که خواننده کمی برنامه نویسی، به ویژه زبانهای c-style بلده. کتاب شدیدا خودخوان هست، بیش از حد تحمل هرچیزی رو توضیح می ده و اونقدر این توضیحات با تکرار و تاکید هست که آدم خسته می شه. شاید اگر کمی از این همه تکرار و تاکید کم می کرد و بیشتر به مباحث متنوع یا حل مسائل مختلف می پرداخت، جذابتر بود.
June 4, 2022
اصلا پیشنهاد نمیکنم، بیشتر موجب سرگیجس تا آموزش.
February 25, 2018
Terrible presentation. No one wanting to become a professional programmer should touch this. The authors think they are some sort of graphic design geniuses (and they say so), but it's an uncoordinated mess. Other graphics-oriented titles (Visual QuickStart, Manga Guides, etc) pull this off, but not these people. Do not waste your time or money.
December 19, 2017
Easy for begginers. Not as good as design patterns but still good for people want to start programming. And python is good too for that purpose.
December 25, 2017
When faced with a bunch of different Python books, this one looked like the most engaging. I opted for the Kindle edition, as I assumed that the search function would be essential.
To be sure, HFP gets you right into coding. Before you know it, you're writing programs. I also revisited some SQL statements and learned some Mac Terminal commands along the way. I found Homebrew and MariaDB far easier to navigate than MySQL.
I was able to follow along and endure the inevitable bumps. (One minor pet peeve: Kindle search didn't pick up code because the publisher chose to store these as pictures. This made searching more difficult.)
My mind is like oatmeal because a newbie programmer cannot learn a robust general-purpose language such as Python in ten days. Still, I enjoyed the book and know 100x as much about Python as I did two weeks ago.
To be sure, HFP gets you right into coding. Before you know it, you're writing programs. I also revisited some SQL statements and learned some Mac Terminal commands along the way. I found Homebrew and MariaDB far easier to navigate than MySQL.
I was able to follow along and endure the inevitable bumps. (One minor pet peeve: Kindle search didn't pick up code because the publisher chose to store these as pictures. This made searching more difficult.)
My mind is like oatmeal because a newbie programmer cannot learn a robust general-purpose language such as Python in ten days. Still, I enjoyed the book and know 100x as much about Python as I did two weeks ago.
September 15, 2019
I used this book as a quick review before getting back to work with Python. I'm not a developer so most of the time i just ready-to-import packages. This book provides interesting explanations to many little stuff that I'm used to using but never got to see the reasoning behind it. For example, he gave quite detailed and well-designed exercises about context manager and decorator. I do appreciate topics like these.
Overall, the topic selection is a little hard to understand as the author basically abruptly stopped at list comprehension. But it is a good book for someone who has some experience and looks for deeper CS logic.
Overall, the topic selection is a little hard to understand as the author basically abruptly stopped at list comprehension. But it is a good book for someone who has some experience and looks for deeper CS logic.
July 8, 2019
I stopped halfway through. It elaborated way too much on things that seemed unnecessary but did the opposite with more complex things. It continued with the same lines of code throughout the chapters, that changed slightly with new stuff, which can be easier to understand for people but for me it was extremely boring and unchallenging. Some links weren't working, so that should definitely be updated. However there were some informative things in there that most books don't include, which is the only reason it got 2 stars instead of one.
September 13, 2019
IMO, the Head First series is great for learning languages.
Going through the other reviews made me acknowledge that the 'visual & activity learning strategies' (fridge magnet games and the like) can get dull - the opposite of their intended purpose, and overall slow down your progress. But the book does give you a pretty good context and grounding in the basics - from data structures, the context management protocol, list comprehensions, and even generators. The icing was the appendix on deploying to the cloud using pythonanywhere.
Enjoyed the book overall.
Going through the other reviews made me acknowledge that the 'visual & activity learning strategies' (fridge magnet games and the like) can get dull - the opposite of their intended purpose, and overall slow down your progress. But the book does give you a pretty good context and grounding in the basics - from data structures, the context management protocol, list comprehensions, and even generators. The icing was the appendix on deploying to the cloud using pythonanywhere.
Enjoyed the book overall.
April 19, 2021
A great starting point to learn Python. It assumes some previous experience programming, but at the end it will provider the reader with some proficiency with the language. As usual with the Head First series, it is written in a fun and comprehensible manner that makes you progress through the chapters without even noticing it.
Highly recommendable.
Highly recommendable.
January 17, 2022
I definitely liked Head First Java more. And from what I understand, a lot of the second half is pretty outdated at this point. But I knew nothing about python going in and this helped me pick it up relatively easily—would recommend in conjunction with something more up-to-date.
January 10, 2017
Excellent book. I undoubtedly recommend to read it. It would be awesome if this has more about object oriented programming.
June 20, 2017
This proved to be quite efficient and enjoyable. The examples are clear and the exercises are challenging but not daunting.
June 7, 2018
Full review on:
http://www.enlistq.com/book-review-he...
http://www.enlistq.com/book-review-he...
May 22, 2019
I found the flask part extra, deviates from proper python programming subject a bit.
April 8, 2020
Average
May 31, 2020
Excellent Python book. It's not intended for absolute beginners. All the sections except the Flask part are worth reading:)
June 19, 2020
I really love head first python. It explains each concept of python in the simplest form possible. Paul Barry did a good job putting the book together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews