The complete core language for existing programmers.

Dead Simple Python is a thorough introduction to every feature of the Python language for programmers who are impatient to write production code. Instead of revisiting elementary computer science topics, you’ll dive deep into idiomatic Python patterns so you can write professional Python programs in no time.

After speeding through Python’s basic syntax and setting up a complete programming environment, you’ll learn to work with Python’s dynamic data typing, its support for both functional and object-oriented programming techniques, special features like generator expressions, and advanced topics like concurrency. You’ll also learn how to package, distribute, debug, and test your Python project.

Master how to:

• Make Python's dynamic typing work for you to produce cleaner, more adaptive code.
• Harness advanced iteration techniques to structure and process your data.
• Design classes and functions that work without unwanted surprises or arbitrary constraints.
• Use multiple inheritance and introspection to write classes that work intuitively.
• Improve your code's responsiveness and performance with asynchrony, concurrency, and parallelism.
• Structure your Python project for production-grade testing and distribution

The most pedantically pythonic primer ever printed, Dead Simple Python will take you from working with the absolute basics to coding applications worthy of publication.

Review

"An invaluable resource for those looking to learn the fundamentals of the Python programming language. . . . Dead Simple Python is an ideal choice for Python beginners who want to quickly advance from the bare basics to production-level coding."

—Ben Lutkevich, TechTarget

"Definitely a book that any Python programmer NEEDS to have on [their] bookshelf!"

—Full Circle Magazine

"Dead Simple Python is a must-have resource for anyone looking to master Python in a fast, efficient, and enjoyable manner. Jason C. McDonald's expertise, coupled with his clear and concise writing style, makes this book an invaluable addition to any programmer's library. Whether you're looking to build your first Python application or deepen your understanding of the language's intricacies, [this book] is sure to become an indispensable companion on your programming journey."

—The Security Noob

"Makes a good starting point for those contemplating a serious Python effort and who need to start with the basics."

—Lee Teschler, Microcontroller Tips

"The book that anyone who wants to become an expert Python programmer should read. . . . I don't believe that anyone who works through the material in this book will fail to become a competent and confident Python coder. It is quite a fantastic book."

—Sandra Henry-Stocker, NetworkWorld

"Reasonably paced and clear. . . . I expect that I’ll refer to the book the next time I start a small Python project."

—Paul Floyd, ACCU

"I especially enjoyed the practical approach to getting started with developing code using tools like virtual environments. It's a hefty book coming in at almost 700 pages but definitely worth adding to your library."

—Paul Ferrill, freelancer for a variety of magazines and websites

About the Author

Jason C. McDonald is a software developer, speaker, and author of both fiction and non-fiction. By day, he works as a Principal Consultant at Rural Sourcing, specializing in Python software engineering. By night, he is the founder of MousePaw Media, an open source software organization where he trains software development interns. You can usually find him haunting his local coffee shops.