Home > Store

Python in 24 Hours, Sams Teach Yourself, 2nd Edition

Register your product to gain access to bonus material or receive a coupon.

Python in 24 Hours, Sams Teach Yourself, 2nd Edition

Best Value Purchase

Book + eBook Bundle

  • Your Price: $39.89
  • List Price: $68.98
  • Includes EPUB and PDF
  • About eBook Formats
  • This eBook includes the following formats, accessible from your Account page after purchase:

    ePub EPUB The open industry format known for its reflowable content and usability on supported mobile devices.

    Adobe Reader PDF The popular standard, used most often with the free Acrobat® Reader® software.

    This eBook requires no passwords or activation to read. We customize your eBook by discreetly watermarking it with your name, making it uniquely yours.

More Purchase Options

Book

  • Your Price: $27.99
  • List Price: $34.99
  • Usually ships in 24 hours.

eBook

  • Your Price: $27.19
  • List Price: $33.99
  • Includes EPUB and PDF
  • About eBook Formats
  • This eBook includes the following formats, accessible from your Account page after purchase:

    ePub EPUB The open industry format known for its reflowable content and usability on supported mobile devices.

    Adobe Reader PDF The popular standard, used most often with the free Acrobat® Reader® software.

    This eBook requires no passwords or activation to read. We customize your eBook by discreetly watermarking it with your name, making it uniquely yours.

Description

  • Copyright 2014
  • Dimensions: 7" x 9-1/8"
  • Pages: 320
  • Edition: 2nd
  • Book
  • ISBN-10: 0-672-33687-1
  • ISBN-13: 978-0-672-33687-4

In just 24 sessions of one hour or less, Sams Teach Yourself Python in 24 Hours will help you get started fast, master all the core concepts of programming, and build anything from websites to games. Using this book’s straightforward, step-by-step approach, you’ll move from the absolute basics through functions, objects, classes, modules, database integration, and more. Every lesson and case study application builds on what you’ve already learned, giving you a rock-solid foundation for real-world success!

Step-by-step instructions carefully walk you through the most common Python development tasks.

Quizzes and Exercises at the end of each chapter help you test your knowledge.

Notes present interesting information related to the discussion.

Tips offer advice or show you easier ways to perform tasks.

Warnings alert you to possible problems and give you advice on how to avoid them.

Learn how to...

  • Install and run the right version of Python for your operating system
  • Store, manipulate, reformat, combine, and organize information
  • Create logic to control how programs run and what they do
  • Interact with users or other programs, wherever they are
  • Save time and improve reliability by creating reusable functions
  • Master Python data types: numbers, text, lists, and dictionaries
  • Write object-oriented programs that work better and are easier to improve
  • Expand Python classes to make them even more powerful
  • Use third-party modules to perform complex tasks without writing new code
  • Split programs to make them more maintainable and reusable
  • Clearly document your code so others can work with it
  • Store data in SQLite databases, write queries, and share data via JSON
  • Simplify Python web development with the Flask framework
  • Quickly program Python games with PyGame
  • Avoid, troubleshoot, and fix problems with your code

Downloads

Downloads

Download free online code files for Python in 24 Hours, Sams Teach Yourself here

Extras

Related Article

Why Iā€™m a Part of PyLadies

Author's Site

Please visit the author's site here

Sample Content

Online Sample Chapter

How to Store Text in Strings in Python

Sample Pages

Download the sample pages (includes Chapter 4 and Index)

Table of Contents

Preface xiv

Who This Book Is For xiv

How This Book Is Organized xiv

Introduction 1

Learning to Program 1

Why Python? 2

Getting Started 2

How This Book Works 3

What to Do If You Get Stuck 3

HOUR 1 Installing and Running Python 5

Discovering Your Operating System 5

Setting Up Python on Windows 7

Setting Up Python on a Mac 11

Summary 15

Q&A 15

Workshop 16

HOUR 2 Putting Numbers to Work in Python 17

Storing Information with Variables 17

Doing Math in Python 20

Comparing Numbers 23

Applying Python Math in the Real World 24

Summary 25

Q&A 26

Workshop 26

HOUR 3 Logic in Programming 27

Using a Basic if Statement 27

Creating Blocks 28

Adding an else to an if 29

Testing Many Things with elif 30

True and False Variables. 31

Using try/except to Avoid Errors 32

Applying Logic to Real-World Problems 34

Summary 35

Q&A 35

Workshop 36

HOUR 4 Storing Text in Strings 37

Creating Strings 37

Printing Strings 38

Getting Information About a String 38

Math and Comparison 40

Formatting Strings. 42

Using Strings in the Real World 46

Summary 47

Q&A 47

Workshop 48

HOUR 5 Processing Input and Output 49

Getting Information from the Command Line 49

Getting a Password 53

Cleaning Up User Input 54

Formatting Output 55

Managing Input and Output in the Real World 57

Summary 58

Q&A 58

Workshop 58

HOUR 6 Grouping Items in Lists 61

Creating a List 61

Getting Information About a List 63

Manipulating Lists 64

Using Math in Lists 65

Ordering Lists 66

Comparing Lists 67

Using Lists in the Real World 67

Summary 68

Q&A 68

Workshop 69

HOUR 7 Using Loops to Repeat Code 71

Repeating a Set Number of Times 71

Repeating Only When True 76

Using Loops in the Real World 77

Summary 79

Q&A 79

Workshop 80

HOUR 8 Using Functions to Create Reusable Code 81

Creating a Basic Function 81

Passing Values to Functions 82

Variables in Functions: Scope 86

Grouping Functions Within a Function 88

Sending a Varying Number of Parameters 88

Using Functions in the Real World 89

Summary 92

Q&A 92

Workshop 93

HOUR 9 Using Dictionaries to Pair Keys with Values 95

Creating a Dictionary 95

Getting Information About a Dictionary 97

Comparing Dictionaries. 98

Using Dictionaries in the Real World 99

Summary 101

Q&A 101

Workshop 101

HOUR 10 Making Objects 103

Object-Oriented Programming 103

Planning an Object 107

Making Objects Out of Objects 108

Using Objects in the Real World 110

Summary 111

Q&A 111

Workshop 111

HOUR 11 Making Classes 113

Making a Basic Class Statement 113

Adding Methods to Classes 114

Setting Up Class Instances 116

Using Classes in the Real World 119

Summary 122

Q&A 122

Workshop 122

HOUR 12 Expanding Classes to Add Functionality 125

Built-in Extras 125

Class Inheritance 130

When to Expand Classes in the Real World 134

Summary 136

Q&A 136

Workshop 137

HOUR 13 Using Python’s Modules to Add Functionality 139

Python Packages 139

Using the random Module 140

Using the datetime Module 143

Finding More Modules 145

Using Modules in the Real World 146

Summary 147

Q&A 147

Workshop 148

HOUR 14 Splitting Up a Program 149

Why Split Up a Program? 149

Deciding How to Break Up Code 150

How Python Finds a Program’s Code 152

Splitting Up Code in the Real World 155

Summary 157

Q&A 157

Workshop 158

HOUR 15 Providing Documentation for Code 159

The Need for Good Documentation 159

Embedding Comments in Code 160

Explaining Code with Docstrings 162

Including README and INSTALL 164

Providing Documentation in the Real World 167

Summary 168

Q&A 168

Workshop 169

HOUR 16 Working with Program Files 171

Reading to and Writing from Files 171

Creating Files 174

Getting Information About a Directory 175

Getting Information About a File 178

Using Files in the Real World 180

Summary 181

Q&A 181

Workshop 181

HOUR 17 Sharing Information with JSON 183

The JSON Format 183

Working with JSON Files 185

Saving Objects as JSON 188

Creating Custom Dictionaries 189

Using JSON in the Real World 191

Summary 194

Q&A 194

Workshop 195

HOUR 18 Storing Information in Databases 197

Why Use Databases? 197

Talking to Databases with SQL. 198

Creating a Database 200

Querying the Database 203

Using Databases in the Real World 205

Summary 207

Q&A 207

Workshop 208

HOUR 19 Using SQL to Get More out of Databases 209

Filtering with WHERE 210

Sorting with ORDER BY 214

Getting Unique Items with DISTINCT 215

Updating Records with UPDATE 215

Deleting Records with DELETE 216

Using SQL in the Real World 217

Summary 220

Q&A 220

Workshop 221

HOUR 20 Developing for the Web with Flask 223

What Is Flask? 223

Installing Flask 225

Making Your First Flask App 228

Adding Templates 231

Using Frameworks in the Real World 237

Summary 238

Q&A 238

Workshop 239

HOUR 21 Making Games with PyGame 241

What Is PyGame? 241

Installing PyGame 242

Creating Screens 243

Creating Shapes 245

Moving Things Around on the Screen 248

Getting Input from the User 250

Drawing Text. 252

Using PyGame in the Real World 253

Summary 257

Q&A 257

Workshop 258

HOUR 22 Saving Your Code Properly Through Versioning 259

What Is Versioning? 259

Versioning with Git and GitHub 261

Managing Code in a Repository 263

Experimental Changes with Branches 267

Determining What Not to Push 270

Summary 271

Q&A 271

Workshop 271

HOUR 23 Fixing Problem Code 273

When Your Code Has a Bug 273

Locating Errors with a Traceback 274

Finding Errors with the pdb Debugger 275

Searching the Internet for Solutions 278

Trying a Fix 279

Finding Outside Support 280

Summary 282

Q&A 282

Workshop 283

HOUR 24 Taking the Next Steps with Python 285

Interesting Projects 285

Attending Conferences 288

Working with Linux 288

Contributing to Python 290

Contributing to Other Projects 290

Learning Another Language 290

Looking Forward to Python 3 291

Recommended Reading 292

Recommended Websites. 292

Summary 293

Q&A 293

Workshop 293

Index 295

Updates

Submit Errata

More Information

InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from InformIT and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites, develop new products and services, conduct educational research and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by InformIT. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.informit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020