I've Read Over 100 Books on Python. Here are the Top 3

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Over the last few years I have read more than 100 boos on python, There are some books that stand out as the best.
I have a python course on Udemy, it's one of the highest rated. Here it is:
🎓 Complete Python Programmer Bootcamp - bit.ly/2OwUA09
Buy the books
UK
Book 1 - amzn.to/3SdPOEg
Book 2 - amzn.to/3OpDv6A
US
Book 1 - amzn.to/3uq1oEe
Book 2 - amzn.to/49fW5pT
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⌚️Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:25 - Shop
00:38 - Bag
00:54 - What does it have to do with Python?
01:00 - Learn English Analogy
02:00 - Books to Avoid
02:28 - Book 1
03:44 - Book 2
05:29 - Book 3
05:45 - 1st Book 3
06:12 - 2nd Book 3
06: 27 - Books for Data Analysis
07:27 - Best Book for Pandas
08:00 - Don't forget libraries
08:11 - Thanks Brilliant
Learn Data Science (affiliate link)
🎓 Data Quest - bit.ly/3yClqbZ
Learn Python with Giles
🎓 Exploratory Data Analysis with Python and Pandas - bit.ly/2QXMpxJ
🎓 Complete Python Programmer Bootcamp - bit.ly/2OwUA09
📚 My favourite python books for beginners (affiliate links)
📗 Python Crash Course 2nd Edition amzn.to/33tATAE
📘 Automate the Boring Stuff with Python amzn.to/3qM1DFl
📙 Python Basics - A Practical Introduction to Python 3 amzn.to/3fHRMdb
📕 Python Programming An Introduction to Computer Science amzn.to/33VeQCr
📗 Invent Your Own Computer Games with Python amzn.to/3FM3H4b
🆓 Free Python Resource
python-programming.quantecon....
(This is a great introduction to python)
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[@mjneil]

Book 1 :Python crash course Book 2: python programming Book 3: classic computer science problems in python, algorithms illuminated learning scientific programming in python, python tools for science effective pandas

[@arnaVck]

oh, how shrewd you're

[@jontnoneya3404]

You're doing God's work here. Thank you!

[@TM-vg4mx]

Thank you

[@YuTv1408]

How about book 1:: knowing advanced math

[@sprokow]

@@YuTv1408this is false. I am educator by trade. I am in no way a programmer, and have been learning Python, specifically, for about a month now. You need at least high school math, and it’s more the advanced concepts of algebra (which corresponds to the beginning part of algebra 2…that’s a stretch, and in no way trigonometry). Python, like all other computer languages, is the ability to problem solve. I’ve had an issue myself learning human languages, and while any computer language is also a human language, it’s also translating to a computer in the human language created (programming language). There’s a reason, while this comment correctly goes on to say he lists more than 3 books, he started with a dictionary. The hardest concepts in Python for me have been the code phrasing which is similar to sentence phrasing, and Python is one of the more logical languages when it equates to English. I suspect code phrasing, memorizing terms, etc. are going to be the majority of people’s obstacles to overcome learning…math is simply not one of them. While there is correspondence to certain words (functions, variables, conditionals) they’re not necessarily the same meaning, but upon the same concept since a computer is mathematically based. Again simple understanding of basic algebra is most of what’s needed to learn, and that’s even a stretch if one understands the concept of language fairly well. Not to mention, his book 1 is essentially any course or information you can find online. His book 2 is specifics for computer science, and noted as a recommendation for the “exercises” which can help with getting better at Python. I think it would be extremely naive to never want more challenges in order to improve one’s skills. His book 3 was exactly like the comment portrayed; however in a more meaningful discussion, it could be interpreted to expanding in other concentrations of programming than just computer science (which is specifically what the second book recommendation focuses on while he recommends the exercises regardless of however one chooses to focus in Python…I found that pretty clear).

[@danix721]

fantastic video, thanks for this suggestions Giles, really helpful.

[@Pymmusic]

Many thanks for these valuable tips! Great Video!!!

[@raphaelnascimento7208]

Thank you for the video. Your approach is comprehensive, balanced, and it's evident that there has been a lot of research and thought put into crafting the script. I feel more confident to continue my Python studies. You haven't just gained another subscriber. You've gained a fan!

[@rjayanthjadhav3823]

Here are the key points from the video: 1. Avoid overwhelming beginner Python books with too much vocab and grammar. Look for books that teach just enough to get started on projects quickly. 2. A good first Python book is "Python Crash Course" - it teaches foundations thoroughly but briefly, then focuses on building real projects like games and web apps. 3. A second good book is "Python Programming" by John Zelle - it provides a solid introduction to computer science basics and algorithmic thinking. 4. For a third book, choose one focused on your interests - computer science, algorithms, data analysis/science, or a specific library like Pandas. Some recommendations given. 5. Try borrowing books from the library first to see if you like them before buying. 6. Interactive learning platforms like Brilliant can be very effective for learning by actively solving problems.

[@ajaxhncn]

brilliant. I love this ! Now I am completely hooked to this. You are a great teacher love it!

[@gchekibed2099]

Thanks. I don't find very much to be practically helpful anymore on youtube. But this was nice. I appreciate your distillation of the subject matter.

[@anhkieto8153]

hahaha creative video, i love this ! Thanks for your recommendation!!

[@sfermigier]

The best book for non-beginners is "Fluent Python" by Luciano Ramalho.

[@youandainews]

Reading this right now... brilliant. Also going thru python3 docs and using chatgpt to help explain things... and the REPL is super helpful.

[@roman-bolkhovitin]

this

[@olearydj]

it is a fantastic book but "non beginners" is a bit of an understatement...

[@astropgn]

@@olearydj I think it is a book for intermediates who know they will continue learning python. It is a great bridge from mid to advanced in python, specifically. like if you want to work writing libraries and maintaining code.

[@saugatghimire6078]

+1

[@rito_ghosh]

Excellent choices. I remember recommending you the Python Crash Course book, and the Classical Computer Science book- back in the day- in your Discord server. Glad that you read them, and are now recommending them to others.

[@ad4823aa803e]

Also worth mentioning is the book Clean Code In Python by Mariano Anaya. The good explanation of decorators and generators helped me a lot.

[@alzeNL]

putting this in my favourites - even as a PhD student with plenty of experience, this is a very good description of how to learn something without getting bored to death of it. Excellent video.

[@silvermine2033]

Thanks for this!!!

[@CEOLISSS]

My focus was data analytics. I read Python Crash course part 1 (skip part 2). Followed by Effective Pandas. 7 months in and now I can do everything I did in excel plus more. So glad I started on the journey.

[@severtone263]

Excellent explanation. Thank you

[@maalekashari5889]

I have never heard of the book, Python crash course. Thank you for your advice. It is a perfect and well structured book. 👍

[@vitorvieira763]

I've been on my Python learning journey for two months now, and I'm currently on Chapter 18 of the book. It's incredible how much you can grasp about syntax, coding logic, and the workings of programming through this book. I'm also wrapping up the Grokking Algorithms book, which provides a solid introduction to data structures and algorithms. Reading truly is life!

[@juanarreola4402]

Which book exactly?

[@vitorvieira763]

Python Crash Course! It gives you all the foundation you need! @@juanarreola4402

[@sanjukilikunnil904]

Which book

[@kpm25]

Which book? I'm guessing "Python Crash Course" since there is a chapter 18 in that book

[@SamuelGriffin]

You make a comment and then don't even tell people the book? Why do people like you exist on the internet?

[@macksoneh]

I wholeheartedly agree with your approach to learning the Python programming language and your choice of three excellent Python books. However, I suggest that books #2 and #3 could be replaced with a single book, "Introduction to Computation and Programming Using Python" by MIT professor John V. Guttag. This book not only covers the essential concepts comprehensively but also comes with a valuable bonus - over 20 MIT KZbin lectures that serve as the foundation for the book. It's a great resource to enhance your Python learning journey. 😄

[@camerondean6804]

Thank you for reminding me about this resource. I was trying to remember it from seeing it elsewhere, but couldn't remember the title.

[@nvinhjava]

Totally right!

[@mohamedsameh23]

thanks, especially for the Data Analysis books ❤❤

[@JustRandomExplorer]

Matt Harrison's Effective Pandas is superb. Habe studied through the first edition and just bought the second updated version of that book.

[@AaronArt1]

Should I go directly to the second version? I want to master pandas.

[@JustRandomExplorer]

@@AaronArt1 yes, the second version is just updated version of first version. No point buying then both.

[@garyfritz4709]

I recommend you check out or borrow a copy before buying it. I was very unimpressed with the book. I haven’t looked at it for a year, so I don’t remember what I didn’t like, but I was definitely underwhelmed. Maybe it’ll work for you, but it wasn’t for me.

[@gavin.d.m]

Bought Python Crash course on your recommendation and it's a great book to really get started in Python So far I'm following really well and about to start the programming projects.

[@SciFiMangaGamesAnime]

2:39 - hah, I guess I was finally 100% optimal by choosing exactly this book. Its a good solid book. Thank you for this video.

[@GM-tg9qk]

Thanks for the video!

[@fairphoneuser9009]

Thanks a lot, not only, for this video! 🙂

[@albertoarmando6711]

Thanks, book recommendations by experienced professionals are acts of generosity.

[@BillyT83]

Excellent choice!!!

[@kdub1242]

Nice thoughtful and informative discussion. Probably you have read Magnus Lie Hetland's "Python Algorithms." It is a slightly idiosyncratic but very fun and readable complement to a more traditional book like Zelle's.

[@betterstack]

Great recommendations Giles - recognizing some of them from our office! If anyone’s looking for Python tutorials, we’ve released logging in Django and Django middleware to help the community too 💪

[@williamm200]

Gracias, very interesting got to check it out .. 😊😊😊😊😊

[@Belgarathe]

I would put in vote for headfirst python. From get go you start with interesting example as you build a big program.

[@johanpretorius1428]

I've been learning Python on and of for a few years but got very serious from the end of last year. I'm not too fond of reading, but like working through books when studying a specific subject (prefer this to web pages or PDF's). These are some great suggestions! Just a pity that book shops in South Africa don't seem to stock any books on computer related subjects any more, ordering online is the only option.

[@FikrNaqdi]

Thank you sir!

[@Matt-so3nm]

Hi Giles, Please can you consider doing doing a review for the book ‘Learn to Code By Solving Problems’ published by No Starch Press? The author has a PhD in Computer Science Education, and I think the book is done very cleverly. I commented about this book on a previous video and someone picked up on it and went out and bought the book. They said they went from not being able to retain anything, to really picking up the material. Hope you’ll consider reviewing. Many thanks

[@nicholasmascioni3333]

Big fan of this one as well! Feel it’s the best way to learn since it gets you solving exercises right away to apply what you learn in each chapter

[@Matt-so3nm]

@@nicholasmascioni3333 I agree, it’s really engaging!

[@pillmuncher67]

I learned Python some 15 years ago from The Python Cookbook by Martelli, Ravenscroft, and Asher, and the online documentation. It kinda helped that I already knew how to program in several other languages, including C/C++, Java/C#, even VB and Prolog. The current edition of The Python Cookbook was done by Jones and Beazley. Having watched several talks by David Beazley, I assume it's excellent, too.

[@matattz]

Effective Pandas changed everything for me! It’s such a gem of a book and a must for anybody who wants to do something with Data Analysis

[@dylanastudillo9930]

I am an equities trader who trades stocks, options and futures and want to get into more quantitive analysis so for the third python book which would u recommend. Does this fall under the data analysis section, thank you for the great video!!!

[@AnonymousBosch]

Really pleased to see the stunning architecture of Waterstones make an appearance.

[@0e0]

if you are interested in machine learning and data science there is a really great book I like called Deep Learning with Python by Francois Chollet. even if it's older some of the tech is still relevant and also the language used to describe the processes very illuminating. I took a data science course and I found the book better at explaining things conceptually than the teacher

[@aytviewer2421]

Just starting an MS Data Science degree program. Though not new to programming, I have not used Python much in my career. Appreciate the suggestions!

[@HeyIntegrity]

Did you find these books helpful? What do you recommend now and also what would you recommend to start learning before the masters program?

[@aytviewer2421]

@@HeyIntegrity Hello. This is my opinion, not saying these are the greatest -- but this is what I found to be useful: 1) Python Crash Course --liked it as a resource to refresh some of my general python skills 2) Introducing Python 2nd Edition, Lubanovic, O'REILLY book --expands upon Python Crash Course and took my Python skills to the next level in prep for Pandas and ggplot. 3) Effective Pandas 2, Matt Harrison, Metasnake book --many examples of Pandas code; sometimes I found it a little hard to follow as the code snippets can be standalone and not complete examples for comprehension; I did find value with it especially for indexing, splicing, and setting internal data frame indexes --I just had to spend a lot of time studying the example along with other examples of the same topic I am not knocking any of the books in this video. Just sharing what I personally found useful for my DTSC 520 course that I completed a few weeks ago.

[@TheDoc-Worker]

Just have to note; going straight to the docs and doing the equivalent of "reading a dictionary cover-to-cover to learn English" can still absolutely be a very functional and even particularly efficient approach for some people--you probably just have to be a certain strain of neurodivergent. Reading an English-Latin dictionary when I was a kid was actually very effective at teaching me a great deal of Latin I still retain today, and while I really enjoyed "Lingua Latina per se Illustrata" and the two semesters of conversational Latin I took in University, that class moved through the language at an absolutely glacial pace compared to simply reading the dictionary, and in two semesters my Latin vocabulary barely expanded beyond what I'd gained in a few sessions of reading the dictionary as a kid. Only point being one which you basically made in the video: Pursue learning in the way that works for *you*, full-stop. (And if anybody wants to read the Python documentation with me I'm recording it as I go, in the assumption there are enough autists and/or "people looking for videos that will put them to sleep" on the internet to eventually find a tiny, but terrifyingly dedicated audience)

[@Mecagothits]

thanks mate !!!

[@ismayilmammadov8469]

Thank you for creating interesting video content about Python. Which book would you recommend to learn Python for Automation. More specifically Computer Networking Automation. Thank you

[@robinsiwach4163]

Surprising that you didn't include fluent python and python cookbook by david beazley in this. They are really really good.

[@odineinmann5299]

They're not quite beginner level python books

[@Arbiteroflife]

I have the Python cookbook, but it does not seem like an effective way to learn the language. It’s great as a reference for doing semi-advanced things though such as flattening nested dictionaries, writing a language parser, etc. I have it sitting on my desk at the office but not sure how to use it effectively.

[@boredandagitated]

Would the algorithms book and classic computer problems be pretty good to prepare me for my data structures and algorithms class this fall?

[@jamesfrankel7827]

I would love to see a revised version of learning python with chatGPT(or other ai chatbots), visual studio or other ai guided learning methods

[@NurfHerderEclipse]

I read my first book on Python back in the early naughties. It was a brilliant book. Each chapter had a quote from the flying circus. I wish I could remember the title.

[@AutoDisheep]

2:00 are those Scriveneir pens?

[@Websitedr]

Not new to it working on one called Architecture Patterns with Python it covers test driven development, domain driven design, and event driven microservices.

[@goodmanEnt]

I would like to see a series like this for different languages.

[@steadyfall]

As someone who’d like to learn advanced Django, which book would you prefer?

[@BlessingsfromBridget]

I want to learn Python for Natural Language Processing. NLP is my passion after I took classes on linguistics. Should I focus on Python for machine learning or do you have recommendations for NLP?

[@riccardoronco627]

VERY good suggestions

[@shesonjose9247]

You said it, one dont go for buying a dictionary, but some novel or stories. Just like that, books on python should be on topics of use- daily use i may. For example, financial analysis using bank data. Such daily usecases gives chance for user to experience enthralling moment doing programming.

[@Julian-tf8nj]

🤔🤔🤔 Any good book suggestions about making and deploying (large) python libraries to repositories? Best practices, etc.

[@CreatronixDE]

Django can be a bit overwhelming -> start with Flask

[@chezchezchezchez]

Great! What about swift books? Does anyone know of any equivalent videos to this that are on swift? Thank you very much.

[@BenAurelian]

@Python Programmer what would be a good book for Data structures and algorithms in python beginner to advanced?

[@msulwa]

You should check out "A Common-Sense Guide to Data Structures and Algorithms" by Jay Wengrow. It's not Python-specific, but definitely one of the best books I've come across on DSA

[@BenAurelian]

@@msulwa i will check it out

[@speedrrracer]

How about a recommendation on the best book (or maybe just "the best way") to learn django for those who are good/good enough with Python? Thanks!

[@andijaw]

Is it worth replacing the second edition with a third one?

[@FlameForgedSoul]

We'll throw our hat in for beings such as Ourselves and suggest Learn Python Visually for those seeking to utilize code in their art and/or design work.

[@method341]

Your camera's auto focus is on point. What is it?

[@STEAMerBear]

What kind of strange and wonderful place was that where you got the bag?

[@amokbel]

Any book recommendations for solving equations?

[@briankgarland]

Can you recommend one for a young teenager who will be starting technical high school this fall?

[@yasserfarag3775]

if i a beginner what is the best for me for learning , websites like geeks for geeks or books

[@adrimathlener8008]

Do you have the ISBN of the book 'Python programming for little coders' please 🙂 Really great picture !

[@alikazerani]

Preeeetty sure it doesn't exist?

[@simpletongeek]

They have *Little Coders* book for Java (in Spanish).

[@adrimathlener8008]

@@alikazerani Well there's this book: "Coding for Kids: Python: Learn to Code with 50 Awesome Games and Activities" and it's a nice one

[@fg786]

The best skills to learn are firstly to put into words what you think you need, to make a search online, secondly be able to read documentation and thirdly make sense of it.

[@amigagr]

Python Crash Course was the first book for Python that i bought 2 years ago!

[@oliverbatt3559]

Do you have any thoughts on Think Python by Allen B Downey?

[@engineeringmadeasy]

Hi, do you have similar video for JavaScript? Thanks

[@rayderrich]

I am not into analysis or math at all, did I pick the wrong programming language to play around with?

[@mohammadesmailnazari8516]

Hello, I'm starting to learn python, my university professor says to use Google Colab for my machine learning projects. Are there any books on python programming for machine learning using Google Colab?

[@hernesc]

I have started with programming 30 years ago. Basic, Pascal, C++, JavaScrypt, HTML, PHP, Python and after 30 years I ended up with "Hello World" because my biggest problem is, that I don’t know what to program. I know basics but then I am stuck, sit and think what to progam. Love you videos, after every video I have apetite to start again to learn but it ends up everytime the same. Don’t know what to program. If you got any advice how to move further It would be advice of million value to me. thank you

[@MegaJohn144]

I retired after 50 years of programming and started learning Python. That was in 2017. Today it is 2024, and here are a few of the Python programs I have written for my own use. A program to compare and synchronize between two folders. I use descript.ion files to store comments about files. I wrote a program to add these descriptions to a database and retrieve them. I wrote a program to download videos from the Internet. A database program to keep track of these videos and search for them. A database program to index and search documents. A basic web server. Various text processing programs. An Explorer like program to search for and display audio and video files. A good rule of thumb: Write what you personally need and use. Automate the repetitive tasks you do on the computer. Anything you can do in a batch file, you can do in Python. If you want to write Python with a good simple UI, I suggest PySimpleGUI. Look it up. Very helpful support community.

[@kymhannah221]

I really enjoy the 'no starch press' books 📚😅 python crash course + codecademy really helped me learn python during my apprenticeship. That and doing the work 😊

[@Kaczynskibutnotted]

Are there any analogues for the second book? I cant find it in my country

[@aiasaiascon3894]

Regardless of the fact that 7.1 thousands of LIKES re-iterate and re-validate my opinion on this video - this is one of the most explanatory, honest and robust videos from a person that wants to help other people to learn something tech specific that he also learned. My most sincere thank you for that video.

[@davidelliman7868]

I learned Python by teaching it to a bunch of summer interns 🙂I was up front with them about not knowing Python. If you know Java or C++, it's easy to teach concepts and just use w3schools when the syntax of your code is not quite right. I worry though about the adoption of Python in the industry for any critical systems because it is not type safe. Also it's kind of slow. I would be very concerned if Python ever gets used for flight control systems or in cars. Better to use Rust, Go, Java or some other statically typed language for critical systems.

[@amit01_in]

Which one can be the third book to program for algorithmic trading

[@vl4n7684zt]

If you are interested in Data Analysis and Machine Learning, then the 4th book would be "An Introduction to Statistical Learning: with Applications in Python" 1st ed. 2023. The group of authors are machine-learning all-stars.

[@matattz]

To be honest that’s one of the last books I would read. Very important stuff, don’t get me wrong, but when we talk about data analysis you should definitely check out the book effective pandas from Matt first.

[@user-gm3fn9qp1g]

What do you think about the learning python by Mark Lutz ?

[@dazcorupt]

lovely!

[@gregevgeni1864]

Thanks

[@TM-vg4mx]

Pyhton is general language for all kind on things. I am not interested in learning python for building games etc, I just want to learn python for data science, what you suggest for beginner? I have some programming in R, thanks

[@a_ram]

I assume there's all sorts but I work in a data team and Python is our main language. We use others for infrastructure and random things but all the data work is on Python.

[@igoikeni]

Can you talk about your views on teaching material for youngsters? As a teacher it's my experience that kids (ages 12-18) wouldn't find those recommendations engaging at all, at least by and large...

[@Neverhood.]

100 Books in 10 minutes... Here you go... just paste it into Python, and you'll see the answer. # Total available time total_time = 10 * 60 # Convert 10 minutes to seconds # Number of books to be presented number_of_books = 100 # Time per book time_per_book = total_time / number_of_books # Output message print(f"Time per book presentation: {time_per_book:.2f} seconds") # Optional: Convert to minutes time_per_book_minutes = time_per_book / 60 print(f"Time per book presentation: {time_per_book_minutes:.2f} minutes")

[@user-fn6xs6hk4j]

How much time will it take to finish reading one book

[@miguelnglopes]

I envy one who's able to read 100 books... on any topic. I'm no fan of speed reading, and usually give up on books by the 2nd or 3rd chapter :/

[@vitorvieira763]

I realized that I work much better when I read books than when I watch tutorials. It takes a little more time to finish the books, but every moment you invest your energy, you're truly learning.

[@shyamborkar8206]

Hey isn't it expensive to buy all these books? Is there any source you get it from for cheaper?

[@aletter1718]

Maybe if you look up something called library genesis. Buy the book when you can afford it.

[@Dr.DomAPI]

One video for beast way to learn ML roadmap please

[@seethurebel4085]

Please do video for intermediate to advance!!!

[@user-fn6xs6hk4j]

How much time will it take to finish one book

[@cg2439]

Pls… top books for Java??

[@finnthirud]

I'd like to add "The Python 3 Standard Library by Example". Who needs to pip install anything after that!?

[@Cracktune]

YO! just received Crash in the mail today!

[@PatrickSweeney1]

His "bad book" example is Modern Python Cookbook: 133 Recipes to Develop Flawless and Expressive Programs in Python 3.8, 2nd Edition By Steven F. Lott · 2020🥺

[@RacePicsnVids]

This may be a interesting idea, but for someone who's very new to Python and would like to learn, would using a children's book help at all to really dumb it down and begin at the most basic of levels?

[@swallowedinthesea11]

That's what I did, and I'm not embarrassed! The children's book I love is Python for Kids: A Playful Introduction to Programming by Jason R. Briggs.

[@RacePicsnVids]

@@swallowedinthesea11 I bought Coding for Kids: Python. Thanks for your input!

[@CacoethesSimulator]

What about automate the boring stuff with python?

[@user-pb7gs5sn5c]

Must be tough to judge after reading so many. By book 100 you would have to know vastly more about the subject than someone starting out.

[@goodboy-zg3xo]

Do I need math to start with python crash course? I was bad at math at school but want to try it anyway

[@kpm25]

No you don't, its a very general starter with next to no math.

[@keerthi4513]

"Python Distilled" is the best