The easy way to learn programming fundamentals with Python

Python is a remarkably powerful and dynamic programming language that's used in a wide variety of application domains. Some of its key distinguishing features include a very clear, readable syntax, strong introspection capabilities, intuitive object orientation, and natural expression of procedural code. Plus, Python features full modularity, supporting hierarchical packages, exception-based error handling, and modules easily written in C, C++, Java, R, or .NET languages, such as C#. In addition, Python supports a number of coding styles that include: functional, imperative, object-oriented, and procedural.

Due to its ease of use and flexibility, Python is constantly growing in popularity—and now you can wear your programming hat with pride and join the ranks of the pros with the help of this guide. Inside, expert author John Paul Mueller gives a complete step-by-step overview of all there is to know about Python. From performing common and advanced tasks, to collecting data, to interacting with package—this book covers it all!

• Use Python to create and run your first application
• Find out how to troubleshoot and fix errors
• Learn to work with Anaconda and use Magic Functions
• Benefit from completely updated and revised information since the last edition
  

If you've never used Python or are new to programming in general, Beginning Programming with Python For Dummies is a helpful resource that will set you up for success.

Contents at a Glance

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Part 1: Getting Started with Python . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

CHAPTER 1: Talking to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

CHAPTER 2: Getting Your Own Copy of Python . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

CHAPTER 3: Interacting with Python . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

CHAPTER 4: Writing Your First Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

CHAPTER 5: Working with Anaconda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Part 2: Talking the Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

CHAPTER 6: Storing and Modifying Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

CHAPTER 7: Managing Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

CHAPTER 8: Making Decisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

CHAPTER 9: Performing Repetitive Tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151

CHAPTER 10: Dealing with Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165

Part 3: Performing Common Tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195

CHAPTER 11: Interacting with Packages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .197

CHAPTER 12: Working with Strings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .225

CHAPTER 13: Managing Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .243

CHAPTER 14: Collecting All Sorts of Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .261

CHAPTER 15: Creating and Using Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281

Part 4: Performing Advanced Tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .303

CHAPTER 16: Storing Data in Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .305

CHAPTER 17: Sending an Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .323

Part 5: The Part of Tens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .341

CHAPTER 18: Ten Amazing Programming Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .343

CHAPTER 19: Ten Ways to Make a Living with Python . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .353

CHAPTER 20: Ten Tools That Enhance Your Python Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .361

CHAPTER 21: Ten (Plus) Libraries You Need to Know About . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .371

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .379