[portland] Recommendation for book to use in classroom?

[jason kirtland]

I second the Python Essential Reference recommendation.  It's a 
fantastic introduction and reference for people who already know how to 
program in another language.  It hits all of the interesting bits of 
what makes Python different with little or no fluff.

The book also has a big section covering the standard library in a 
format similar to Python's own docs, which combined with the great index 
may be a friendly way to introduce the Python documentation style to 
those more familiar with javadoc.


Chris Foster wrote:
> It's not a textbook, but I'd highly recommend the Python Essential Reference
> by Beazley *http://tinyurl.com/2ze3j6 * as an optional reference for kids
> who really care to learn.  There is a new version coming out in March (v.3),
> but the old ones (thru v.2.4) can be picked up for about $10 used.
> Beazley's summaries are the clearest and most concise I've seen.  Java
> sufferers will be blown away by the index of goodies and examples.  BTW, I
> tried the Nutshell book.  Martelli is a fantastic speaker, but just not
> quite as clear in my opinion.
> 
> On Thu, Jan 15, 2009 at 9:22 PM, Charles Anderson
> <master.sparkle at gmail.com>wrote:
> 
>> Does anyone have a recommendation for a (text) book to use for teaching
>> Python to students who already know Java?  I'll be teaching a college class
>> in spring to students who have had at least 2 quarters of Java.  So, they
>> should be hip to the basics of programming - e.g., conditionals, iteration,
>> methods, classes, etc.  I'd like to focus on "more interesting" bits of
>> Python that are difficult or impossible in straight Java - e.g.,
>> introspection, duck-typing, possibly metaclasses.
>>
>>
>> thanks,
>> Charles.
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