Good book choice?

[Wesley Dyk]

robin at execulink.com wrote:

> eva_ag at eresmas.com (Eva) wrote:
>
> >I am new to Python but an experienced programmer in Fortran95 (not too
> >object
> >oriented). I am looking for a suited Python book. I'd like it to have
> >clear ideas about OO, as well as an straight pointing into the core
> >language.
> >
> >It seems that 'Python Essential Reference (2nd Edition)' is a good
> >choice. There is also the book 'Making use of Python' (by Rashi
> >Gupta). Is there any user that bought both? Is it good the treatment
> >of OO in the former? Is there a lack of applications point of view in
> >the former? Could anybody compare them? pros/cons?
>
> Can't help you with those, but have had luck with Learning Python
> (Mark Lutz & David Ascher, pub. O'Reilly), a great introduction to the
> language that doesn't pad out its length with stuff you can read in
> the reference documentation. I think it's the single-best Python book
> out there. So do the other developers I work with.
>
> Then you'll want to get the Python Cookbook (edited by Alex Martelli &
> David Ascher, pub. O'Reilly) for in-depth analysis of common tasks and
> thoughtful solutions. This is more advanced than your typical
> Cookbook. It's going to be by my side a long time!
>
> Start here: http://python.oreilly.com
>
> -- robin

I would have to agree with you on _Learning_Python_.  It has good
instruction on OOP with Pyhton.  I have also heard that Guido himself
likes this book the best.  I have not read the _Python_Cookbook_.  I would
start with _Learning_Python_ and move on to a reference book after that.

Aus