Lean Python : Learn Just Enough Python to Build Useful Tools

Learn only the essential aspects of Python without cluttering up your mind with features you may never use. This compact book is not a "best way to write code" type of book; rather, the author goes over his most-used functions, which are all you need to know as a beginner and some way beyond. __Lean Python__ takes 58 Python methods and functions and whittles them down to 15: as author Paul Gerrard says, "I haven't found a need for the rest." **What You'll Learn*** Discover lean Python and how to learn just enough to build useful tools * Use Python objects, program structure, I/O, modules and more * Handle errors and exceptions * Test your code * Access the Web; do searching; and persist data **Who This Book Is For**This book is aimed at three categories of reader: The experienced programmer – if you already know a programming language, this book gives you a shortcut to understanding the Python language and some of its design philosophy. You work in IT and need a programming primer – you might be a tester who needs to have more informed technical discussions with programmers. Working through the examples will help you to appreciate the challenge of good programming. First-timer – you want a first book on programming that you can assimilate quickly to help you decide whether programming is for you. Learn only the essential aspects of Python without cluttering up your mind with features you may never use. This compact book is not a "best way to write code" type of book; rather, the author goes over his most-used functions, which are all you need to know as a beginner and some way beyond. Lean Python takes 58 Python methods and functions and whittles them down to 15: as author Paul Gerrard says, "I haven't found a need for the rest." What You'll Learn Discover lean Python and how to learn just enough to build useful tools Use Python objects, program structure, I/O, modules and more Handle errors and exceptions Test your code Access the Web; do searching; and persist data Who This Book Is For This book is aimed at three categories of reader: The experienced programmer – if you already know a programming language, this book gives you a shortcut to understanding the Python language and some of its design philosophy. You work in IT and need a programming primer – you might be a tester who needs to have more informed technical discussions with programmers. Working through the examples will help you to appreciate the challenge of good programming. First-timer – you want a first book on programming that you can assimilate quickly to help you decide whether programming is for you. Learn only the essential aspects of Python without cluttering up your mind with features you may never use. This compact book is not a "best way to write code" type of book; rather, the author goes over his most-used functions, which are all you need to know as a beginner and some way beyond. Lean Python takes 58 Python methods and functions and whittles them down to 15: as author Paul Gerrard says, "I haven't found a need for the rest." What You'll Learn Discover lean Python and how to learn just enough to build useful tools Use Python objects, program structure, I/O, modules and more Handle errors and exceptions Test your code Access the Web; do searching; and persist data Who This Book Is For This book is aimed at three categories of reader: The experienced programmer if you already know a programming language, this book gives you a shortcut to understanding the Python language and some of its design philosophy. You work in IT and need a programming primer you might be a tester who needs to have more informed technical discussions with programmers. Working through the examples will help you to appreciate the challenge of good programming. First-timer you want a first book on programming that you can assimilate quickly to help you decide whether programming is for you. " Front Matter....Pages i-xxv Getting Started....Pages 1-9 Python Objects....Pages 11-24 Program Structure....Pages 25-33 Input and Output....Pages 35-41 Using Modules....Pages 43-45 Object Orientation....Pages 47-52 Exception and Error Handling....Pages 53-56 Testing Your Code....Pages 57-61 Accessing the Web....Pages 63-65 Searching....Pages 67-73 Databases....Pages 75-78 What Next?....Pages 79-82 Back Matter....Pages 83-87