A general-purpose interpreted programming language, Python is used mainly for web development. It is also a very popular machine learning and data analysis tool. Owing to its simple structure and easy syntax, its a favourite language for beginners. Considering Python is one of the most popular programming languages and its rising demand across industries, it’s only natural that more and more professionals are looking to learn the language.

To help you understand this programming language better, we have compiled a list of the top books for beginners and advanced. All of these books have been recommended by the Python community. Go through the following to get started on your learning journey.

1) Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming

If you are looking for a resource that covers all the rudimentary elements of Python this is the book for you. Divided into two parts, this book is ideal for beginners. The first part of the book covers the fundamentals of Python like classes, loops, lists, dictionaries, and practice.

The second half of the book includes three projects on arcade game, data visualization and space invaders. By the end of this book, you will learn how to develop simple web applications.

2) Python Pocket Reference: Python in Your Pocket

If you are already familiar with the basics of the programming language, this could serve as a pocket guide for quick reference. This book contains a detailed glossary of all kinds of Python-related information. The concise nature of information is ideal for people who need a definition like an introduction to programming terminology. Whether it is names of special methods, inbuilt functions, exceptions, and other frequently used standard modules. 

Apart from the definitions, you will also find explanations of built-in object types, syntax, statements, for creating as well as processing objects, modules, functions for structuring and reusing codes. It also has sections on special operator overloading methods, standard library modules, and python hints and idioms. 

3) Python Cookbook: Recipes for Mastering Python 3

If you are looking for guidance material to help you grasp programming concepts and writing in Python 3, you can pick up Python cookbook. It also includes instructions for Python 2 updation. Though a beginner friendly book, this book is ideal for anyone who is already experienced with Python programming and wants to learn about the relevant recent tools. 

This book is especially useful for learners who need code sample references. Whether it is the topics related to core python or tasks common to a wide range of application domain, you will find it all in this book. 

4) Python for Data Analysis: Data Wrangling with Pandas, NumPy, and IPython

This book is ideal for those who want to learn python programming for data analytics. From complete instructions on manipulating, processing, cleaning and crunching datasets in Python, this book offers an introduction to data science tools using Python. You will also learn about the latest version of NumPy, Pandas, IPython, and Jupyter and how to install and use them. This book includes multiple practical case studies to help you understand and solve different kinds of data analysis problems.

5) Learning Python, 5th Edition

This book offers an in-depth introduction to Python language in reference to a course designed by the author of the book. This is a very popular book on Python which has helped a lot of professionals grasp the core concepts of python programming. Whether you are a beginner or a professional developer, this book caters to everyone. Not only will you learn how to code but also become an expert in it with the practice assignments. Apart from Python’s major built-in object types, such as numbers, lists, and dictionaries and code redundancy, organize statements, you will also learn about OOPs concepts in Python. 

 The book also covers Python tools such as decorators, descriptors, metaclasses, and Unicode processing for advanced readers and programmers. You will also find general programming concepts like exception handling, development tools are also covered in this book.

6) Elements of Programming Interviews in Python: The Insiders’ Guide

If you are looking for a practice/test book, this could be the perfect choice for you. Complete with a collection of 250 questions, this book actually covers all the problems that could be asked in interview rounds. This list has been compiled from sample questions asked at top software companies. For your reference, these problems have been solved with 200 figures, 300 tested programs, and 150 extra variants. 

This is perhaps one of the best books for Python interview preparation. From the extensive test assignments and the summary of the non-technical aspects of the interview to the tips on how to negotiate the offer, this book provides complete guidance on how to rack your dream python job interview. 

Divided into series of chapters, the book has one for all the basic and advanced data structures. 

7) A Byte of Python

Yet another popular book on Python 3 which can also come in handy for the older versions of Python. Available in more than 26 languages, this book has an active community of python programmers who are constantly engaging with each other, so if you are in need of any kind of help regarding the book you can always reach out to the community. 

Since this book has a dedicated reader base, the later publications try to address reader concerns. This book covers the history of Python and its rise to popularity, the core concepts, and problems to solve. 

8) Fluent Python: Clear, Concise, and Effective Programming

If you want to get a thorough understanding of coding, get your hands on ‘Fluent Python’. This books brings out the most overlooked Python features to the front and teaches you how to use them for coding. You will learn about the libraries and all the features of the language which will help you create shorter and more readable code. 

If you are someone with advanced knowledge on Python, this book will help you learn about and become proficient in Python 3. Read this book to understand data structures, functions, object-oriented idioms, control flow and metaprogramming. 

9) Learn Python the Hard Way (3rd Edition)

This book is an exercise book which is a must-read for beginners who are interested in perfecting their coding skills. It includes a total of 52 exercises which takes the learner through the nuances of coding – breaking, fixing and debugging the code to reflect the perfect result. Since this book includes tips and tricks of practical coding, it’s a very popular book for beginners and experts alike who want to brush up their coding skills. The practice exercises will teach you how to find and avoid the common coding mistakes.

Apart from python exercises, this book also includes chapters on basic mathematics, program designs, data structures, strings, files and more. 

10) Learning with Python: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist

Divided into 20 sections, this book covers a wide range of Python programming details. The author, Allen Downey uses real-world programming examples to teach how to use Python. The initial chapters are an introduction to the basics of programming while the later part includes various Python concepts such as variables, functions, conditionals, iteration among others. You will also find core concepts such as inheritance, stacks, trees, debugging, queues and more explained and discussed in this book. The book has been translated into many languages and is a favourite in the programming community.

Hope our list gives you ample choices to kickstart your learning journey. We’d also recommend you to visit Great Learning Academy, where you will find free courses on Data Science, Machine Learning and Python.

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