Start Programming with Python

New electronic formats available

2012-02-02T01:16:00.000-08:00

I found a new self-publishing company that converts my book into multiple electronic formats, allow readers to purchase the version they prefer. I will not be removing the free versions, however, as obscurity is worse than losing money.

I have spent two weeks editing the book to make it better for e-readers, but there is a limit to what can be done. The conversion process automatically strips leading white space, so even if I manually entered non-breaking spaces, it doesn't make the necessary indents visible. I apologize for this and highly recommend that, whether you purchase my book or download a free version, you also get a copy of the source code files, the PDF version, or purchase a copy of the paperback so you can see exactly how the code blocks are supposed to look.

I am also uploading the new Kindle version to Amazon. While it won't necessarily have the indents, it should take care of the extra line breaks and the missing chapters some people have complained about.

If you notice any problems with the book, in any format, please let me know. It is relatively trivial to make the changes and upload new files to the various distribution services.

Revising Kindle version

2012-01-24T01:15:00.000-08:00

After receiving complaints about the Kindle edition, I looked closer at it and figured out that the conversion process sucks. Apparently converting to .mobi format strips a lot of important information from the book, most importantly leading tabs. Since white space is important in Python, if the "white space" is removed, the programs won't work.

I am manually going through the book and attempting to rewrite sections of it so they will convert correctly. I am not having much luck at the moment but will keep working at it.

I apologize to anyone who has bought the Kindle edition and was disappointed with it. I highly recommend getting a copy of the PDF (or the paperback, if you like physical books), as those were the original target for the writing software. Those ones are good, apart from some minor typos I expect.

I have noticed that the .epub conversion appears to work better, so I will see if I can successfully convert it to .mobi. If not, I will try something else.

New Amazon links

2012-01-13T01:22:00.000-08:00

Since Amazon has graciously put my book on their Italian and Spanish stores, I have added direct links to these locations in the navbar.

If you are interested in seeing my book translated into another language, please let me know. The current edition is English-only but I can investigate translating services if the need is warranted.

Thanks to everyone

2011-12-28T23:03:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to say "Thank you" to everyone who has bought a copy of my book. It's only been available for purchase of two months but I've already sold 16 dead tree copies and 47 electronic books. I don't know how many free copies have been downloaded, since I'm not using a shopping cart system or anything like that.

I'm not making a lot of money with it, but that's fine. My goal is to spread knowledge and give back to the FOSS community. Of course, I won't say no to receiving royalties though. :)

Once again, thanks for your appreciation of my work. Let me know what you would like to see in the next edition.

The next version

2011-12-14T01:51:00.000-08:00

Don't worry, I'm not going to put out another version so soon after making this one available. However, I would like some input from readers on what they would like to see in the next version, whenever I get ready to write it.

I've been thinking about adding a section about web programming, using either Django (which I haven't used yet, so it would be a good reason to learn) or Karrigell (which is a great web framework that is very easy to use). I think more expansion of GUI programming would be helpful as well, such as including screen shots and more discussion of GUI libraries.

I also don't know if rewriting the book to focus on Python 3.x would be good. It would relegate Python 2.x to a single chapter, much like the reverse of the book as it is now. People who are just starting in Python will most likely be using Python 3, but the installed Python version of *nix systems is usually an older version. Also, there is a lot of code in the wild that doesn't work with newer versions.

If you have an opinion about what to include, remove, or otherwise change in the next book version, please let me know.

An apology

2011-12-14T01:43:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to let people know that I apologize for the formatting of the digital book files. I realize that the code sections look pretty horrendous in terms of spacing and can be hard to read. But hopefully the information is still usable to you.

Remember, you can always download the source code files themselves to see the code sections. There is always the PDF version, or the print copy of the book as well.

The book is published and available

2011-11-07T02:10:00.000-08:00

I have finally published this book. You may find the links to the official versions (paperback and Kindle edition) on the left. However, the original, free versions will still be available on this site as well.

2nd Edition torrent available

2011-10-17T03:47:00.000-07:00

I have created a torrent file for my new book, for those who prefer that method. The link can be found in the navbar on the side or you can peruse The Pirate Bay and Demonoid for the torrent file as well.

Additionally, I have received a proof of the hard copy book today. After reviewing it and making whatever changes are needed, I will make it available for purchase via Amazon and other book dealers. Notification will be made here.

One step closer to a physical book

2011-10-09T19:28:00.000-07:00

I have uploaded the files for my book to a publishing company. A proof is on order. Assuming there are no changes that need to be made, a hard copy version of my book will be available around the end of the year. I will post when it is available, as well as providing the link. This will be beneficial to those readers who prefer to hold a book in their hands rather than trying to read on a computer screen.

An official Kindle version should also be coming out around the same time. Though you can currently download a Kindle (or other ebook-ready) version now, the official version should take care of any formatting problems you may have encountered. (I used Calibre to make the conversion, so I can't vouch for the reproduction accuracy).

Revised edition (again)

2011-10-07T18:36:00.000-07:00

Based on reader feedback, I have reformatted the book to ensure the code blocks don't scroll off the edge of the screen. I have made new PDF, MOBI, EPUB, and HTML files, which can be found to the left. I have also uploaded the source code files for the code examples in the book.

Let me know what you think.

New version available

2011-08-23T03:55:00.000-07:00

I'm still working on getting a hardcopy version of my book available via Amazon. Self-publishing is more complicated than expected; the legalese of the printing company makes me peruse their offerings carefully to ensure I am not giving up any important rights.

So, you can download the newest version of my Python programming book using the links on the left. I will provide a torrent file for those who prefer that method and PDF and HTML files as well. As soon as I get a chance, I intend to make an ebook-ready version, once I figure out the best format to use.

Let me know what you think and if you find any problems, typos, etc. that need to be corrected.

New version coming soon!

2011-04-28T22:48:00.000-07:00

I'm nearly done with revision 4 of this book. I will be posting the PDF and HTML version on this site, as usual. However, I am also going to publish it on Amazon in both dead tree and Kindle formats. If possible, I will make other ebook formats, but I'll see how that goes.

Pricing for the physical and Kindle versions hasn't been decided yet, but you'll probably be able to buy it just by saving your pocket change for a week or two.

Links fixed

2010-10-28T00:55:00.001-07:00

I moved the PDF and HTML versions to my Google Docs account and updated the links on the sidebar. You should now be able to view/download either version of the book without any problems. If you do encounter problems, please let me know.

I will admit the book has not been updated yet like I intended. Python 3 has been out for a while but the book focuses on Python 2.x. This doesn't mean the information is bad; Python 3 doesn't get rid or change much of the feature set from 2.x. The biggest change is probably the print function. If you learn Python 2.x, you'll have no problem moving to Python 3's features.

Additionally, a lot of *nix distributions don't include Python 3 by default yet, so if you are using Linux or Mac, chances are you won't notice any problems. If you have difficulties, take a look at the Python 3 section or the Python website.

When I finish my Ph.D., or at least have a break from work and homework, I would like to revise the book, but until then it will have to remain the way it is.

HTML version problems

2010-06-29T05:27:00.001-07:00

I realize that the HTML version isn't downloading for some reason. I am also unable to upload a corrected version. So if you are interested in the HTML version, please post a comment to this site with your email address and I will email a copy to you directly. I will post again once I figure out what the problem is and correct it.

No updates for a while

2010-06-29T05:13:00.001-07:00

It's been quite a long time since I posted here. But moving to Japan, being put on medical hold, and working on my Ph.D. has certainly put a damper on my efforts to rewrite the book.

By the time I get around to it, Python 3 should be the standard. I know some Linux distros are still providing v2.6 for compatibility purposes so I'll probably end up rewriting the book for the latest 3.x version and have a small section on the differences with 2.x. That way people will be getting the latest and greatest while still knowing what needs to be done for compatibility issues.

I don't know when the rewrite will be done. Possibly never. It's not like there isn't a glut of programming books on the market. The only thing I have to offer is that mine is free and available for reuse and sharing.

I guess beggars can't be choosers but I do have intentions of rewriting as time permits. Maybe if my medical and job status stays constant for a while.

HTML book version available

2009-11-01T02:31:00.000-08:00

I finally figured out the problems I have been having with LaTeX; it wasn't properly exporting my book to HTML and I haven't had time to mess with it since I moved to Japan. However, I finally fixed the issue and so now an HTML version of my book is available for those who prefer that format.

I'm working on the second version of this book, making editing changes, revising sections, adding new information; in general, trying to make it better than it currently is. When completed (no ETA on that) I plan on publishing it more ebook versions, along with a physical book.a

Published versions coming soon

2009-10-17T09:54:00.000-07:00

I have found two publishing companies, one for ebooks and one for physical books, that will allow me to formally publish my books. I thought about publishing my current book but realized, with the 2nd edition being created now, I might as well wait for it to be done and simply publish that.

So, when the next edition is done, I will publish it for those people who want to purchase a version that isn't just a PDF.

2nd Edition in progress

2009-10-17T09:48:00.000-07:00

I really wanted to have a revised version of my book available by now but my job prevents me from working on it. Being in the Navy, and deployed for several months, means I don't have a lot of off time to work on it. Though I have some free time during watch, I'm not allowed to bring my laptop into the shop so I can't work on it that way.

Thankfully, when I do have time to work on it, there isn't that much that needs to be modified/updated. The main thing is adding more information about Python 3. Since Python 3 has been out for a year now, it's more mainstream. I may actually rewrite the book to showcase Python 3 and just add a chapter talking about Python 2.x. I figure most people will be using Python 3 but some *nix distributions are still using the older versions of Python, so it's good to know what the differences are.

So, when I get a chance, the next edition will be posted to a web link and torrent sites, like the current edition.

Ebook direct file link available

2009-06-13T16:48:00.001-07:00

I finally had a chance to upload the book to a file hosting site. Now, visitors can download the ebook (with supporting source code files) directly, without having to mess around with torrent files.

The link to the .zip file is on the left side of this page, or you can use this direct link. I am working on creating other formats, e.g. ODF, HTML, etc. but my LaTeX software doesn't want to convert correctly.

However, I'm also going to work on a revision to this book so I might just hold off on the file conversions until I have the latest revision completed. Most people seem to prefer PDF files for ebooks anyways, so I don't expect the lack of version to be a big issues.

If you have a file preference you would like to see, post in the comments and I will see what I can do. Thanks.

Still trying to get settled

2009-06-09T01:27:00.000-07:00

I apologize for not having a download site available; I know how frustrating it can be when only one format is available, especially if you have to find the torrent for it. Having a link to a downloadable file is simply a very nice thing to have.

However, my new command doesn't give me a lot of time off. Actually, I was out to sea for a month within 3 days of moving into my house. I've been in my house a total of 6 days in the last 7 weeks. So, that's why I haven't had a chance to create a download site for the book.

Additionally, I want to rewrite some of the book. Python 3 has been out for nearly a year and I expect most people have upgraded the default Python loads on *nix OSes. So I don't see a real reason to retain the "backwards compatible" information in the book.

I still plan on writing up the "sequel" to the book: GUI programming. I would take my laptop underway with me but I normally work 14-16 hour days at sea so I don't have any time to write.

In a nutshell, the download site, updated book, and GUI programming book will be completed when I get a chance. In the meantime, continue to download the torrent file and let me know what you think.

Stability coming soon

2009-04-27T02:25:00.000-07:00

I arrived in Japan a few weeks ago and will finally be moving into an actual house (well, apartment really) this week. I've been staying in a hotel since I arrived, which is why I haven't had a chance to make any significant additions to the book distribution.

Once I get settled, I plan on creating a web page so people who don't want to bother with Bittorrent can download the book directly. Plus, it will let me create different versions of the book, such as the standard PDF, HTML, ODF, DOC, etc.

If there is a particular format you would like, post it in the comments and I will see what I can do.

I will also be looking at setting up a print-on-demand service for those readers who would like to buy a print version of the book. More to follow.

Revised draft available

2009-04-05T00:41:00.001-07:00

I have updated the torrent file that is current available. It was brought to my attention there were many errors when the sample programs were ran, and some confusion within the book itself.

I have changed the included sample programs so both Python 2.x and Python 3 versions are available. I have also modified Chapter 4 of the book to explain that Python 2.x is used for all the examples within the book. Hopefully this will reduce reader confusion.

If you find any problems or have suggestions, please let me know.

Thanks.

Torrent file available

2009-04-03T21:03:00.000-07:00

I have posted the book to The Pirate Bay as a torrent file (the most recent torrent can always be found in the sidebar on the left). I have not yet uploaded it to a web site; I am moving to Japan and simply don't have the time to make a site.

Since Blogger doesn't allow normal file uploads, the only alternative is to try and find a file hosting system or make a web site. I think web site would be more appropriate. I'm also waiting for editoral review of the book before posting the final version.

So, if you want to view the final draft, grab the torrent. Otherwise it will be a few weeks before I will be able to post the book to the web; I will look into a file hosting service in the meantime.

Nearly done editing

2009-03-18T16:20:00.000-07:00

I only have a few more chapters to go, then I will post a "final" version of the book. I will be sending copies to several people before I actually post it so they can give their inputs on it; if you are interested, leave a comment and I will include you in the distribution.

I have decided to separate the core language from the GUI side, so I will be writing a separate book expressly about GUI programming. I have most of the rough draft done with that but I don't know when I will get a chance to write it (I'm moving overseas and probably won't have much time for a while).

I expect to have the book on this site by summer, so just keep waiting a little longer. I'm also going to see about getting it published and available for retail purchase. No guarantees but it will be interesting to see what happens.

Editing book

2009-02-21T16:18:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that I haven't made any updates lately (nor will I in the near future) because I am currently editing and converting the book to PDF.

I imported the RTF files into LyX (a LaTeX front-end) and I'm using the "book" template to convert it to PDF. This way, if you decide to print it out, it will be formatted as a book, i.e. Table of Contents, page numbers, etc.

Using LaTeX reduces the amount of extra work I have to do since it handles a lot of the formatting on it's own. It's taking a little longer than I originally expected, though, because I'm editing it as I format it.

Once I have this conversion done, I will add a few chapters to the Appendix showing code samples and suggested practice problems, plus listings of the various methods, functions, and other good bits of reference material. Then I will "publish" it on this blog for everyone to download.

I plan on extending it when I get a chance to include the GUI tutorials I wrote. Hopefully it will be one of the more comprehensive "intro to programming" books available.