Python books (was: RE: [Tutor] Confused about functions)

[Kit O'Connell]

> No. L has not changed at all. L is a reference to
> a list object. The list object itself is still
> the same list, what has changed is the contents
> of the list.

Ah, that is a detail I had thought about. Thanks for pointing this out.

> The best Python reference book around bar the online
> manuals - which you can also get in print...

Thanks. I do like to have a printed manual, though I also make extensive
use of the online documentation. Besides, it's got an introduction from
Guido, which makes it even cooler. :)

It looks like the book I have here is the first edition. Do you think it
would still be useful to an aspiring python hacker, or should I wait until
I can get a copy of the second edition?

> > How does it compare to O'Reilly's Programming
> > Python
>
> Different kind of book. PP explains how/why Python works,
> Essential Python just tells you what it does and how to
> use it. I'd recommend both of these books.

Great. I'll keep an eye out for PP at the used bookstore where I work.

> > Standard Library book?
>
> More like EP but not as good IMHO - more like a cookbook
> of handy tips and examples etc.

Thanks again for your thoughts on these books.

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