Undoubtedly there are a plethora of ways where one can acquire a new knowledge, either for free or for a fee.

Online courses, videos, articles, bootcamps, and books are just some of these ways.

In today's article, we will focus on books, specifically the best Python books one can read in order to improve one's knowledge of the language.

Ideally, training in a programming language should combine both theoretical and practical knowledge, but we believe that books are an excellent source to start with.

Beyond that, if he wants to develop his knowledge even further, we will mention at the end a way he can do so.

But let's start with the basics.

 What is Python

Python is a programming language used both for building websites and software, and for automating various tasks.

Its main advantages are the flexibility and friendliness it offers to its novice users, making it one of the most used languages in the world and the demand for it is constantly growing.

Some things that can be done with Python:
 

• Machine learning
• Machine Machine Learning can be used to make machine learning easier
• Automation
• Software testing
   

As well as many more.

So it makes sense to want to learn more about it, as you probably do after reading this article, so you can learn to build your own Python applications like the countless ones out there.

So let's go check out the best Python books we've gathered here at BigBlue Data Academy

 

 5 Best Python Books for Beginners
 

While we could list hundreds of books, we'll dwell on 5 of what we consider the best.

Book #1: Python Crash Course

The first Python book on our list is the Python Crash Course by Eric Matthes.

This book starts by mentioning some basic things about Python, as well as explaining what variables, strings, lists and more are.

It then goes on to discuss cases, white loops, functions, and classes, as well as proper code testing and debugging.

All of this is only covered in the first half of the book!

The second half gives you instructions to build 3 different projects with Python on your own:

• A video game
• A data visualization program 
• A video game for visualization
   

This means that the book emphasizes both theoretical and practical knowledge!

Definitely one of the best Python books out there is Allen B. Downey's Think Python.

As the title suggests, the purpose of the book is to teach readers how to think like Python programmers in a simple and straightforward way.

Although it doesn't delve too deeply into some advanced topics, it covers a multitude of topics, such as polymorphism, algorithm analysis, and the mutability vs immutability difference.

In short, if you want a step-by-step guide that shows you the most important things you need to know, as well as how programmers think about solving a problem, then this book is perfect!
 

Title:Think Python
Price: $28.99
Purchase:Amazon

Book #3: Learn Python 3 the Hard Way

Learn Python 3 the Hard Way by Zed Shaw is one of the classic and best Python books.

You don't need to be scared of the "hard way" as if you follow the right steps, it actually makes everything easier.

For example, many people don't like writing huge chunks of code, but many times it is necessary, so it's good to get used to it from the beginning.

This book consists of 50 exercises, where each one is a continuation of the previous one, and you learn everything from 0.

Starting with installing Python on your computer, all the way to creating a simple program.

What we can say is that if you read the book by following the examples and applying them correctly, then you will have progressed from the beginner stage you were logically at when you started reading it.

Title: Learn Python 3 the Hard Way
Price: $31.47
Purchase: Amazon

Book #4: Python Tricks

One of the best Python books for the slightly more advanced is Python Tricks by Dan Bader.

In this book, there are 43 sections, each of which presents a different concept, accompanied by easy-to-understand code examples.

In particular, some of the modules are:
 

• Patterns for Cleaner Python
• Effective Functions
• Classes & OOP
• Common Data Structures in Python
   

The most important features of OO are the following.

In addition, if you buy the electronic version of this book (eBook), then you will have access to 12 videos to better understand how to write in Python.

 

Title: Python Tricks: A Buffet of Awesome Python Features
Price: $29.99
Purchase: Amazon

Book #5: Python Cookbook

The 5th Python book on our list is Python Cookbook by David Beazley and Brian K. Jones.

What makes it stand out is the detail it goes into and how it encourages the reader to learn by doing.

For example, each section starts with a problem that needs solving and then presents that solution using Python 3.

The second part of the book illustrates patterns such as decorator patterns, closures, callback functions and accessor functions.

This book is definitely one of the best Python books one can read, whether a beginner or an advanced one.

 

Title: Python Cookbook
Price: $55.81
Purchase:Amazon

 How to Go to the Next Level

So we've seen a short list of some books about learning Python that you should definitely read if you're interested in the language.

Although books in general are an excellent source of knowledge, they have some limitations that don't allow you to easily go to the next level.

For example, you don't have the author in front of you to ask any questions you have. Something especially important when learning something new.

But something that can give you that - and more - is a course like the Python for Data Science Course that we created especially for you.

 

Through this course, you will learn:

• Store, access and manipulate data from lists and dictionaries
• Write Python commands with ease
• Use Jupyter Notebook
   

As well as many more, which will allow you in 6 days to learn the world's most popular language!

Apply HERE and start writing code from day one!

Let's recap.

 

 In a nutshell

So we've looked at the 5 best Python books out there, and what they'll offer you if you read them.

As we mentioned, books in general are great, but if you want to learn something like Python in depth, you can combine them with a quality and comprehensive online course.

We are waiting for you!