Python Essentials You Always Wanted to Know

I had been looking for a companion guide to go along with some introductory python courses I had been taking and this was perfect, it offered what I needed as a beginner and helped to put steps into writing so I could easily refer back to them when I needed to!

I have not yet implemented all the lessons/the coding exercises in this book but I checked them all out.
I have a child who is interested in coding. and I love to learn to know more about coding myself in my spare time. This is a good resource for almost total beginners like us.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Python Essentials You Always Wanted to Know by Shawn Peters is an excellent resource for anyone looking to dive into the world of programming with Python. As a book reviewer, I found this guide comprehensive and accessible, making it an ideal choice for beginners and those looking to refresh their skills.

Shawn Peters has crafted a book that breaks down complex programming concepts into manageable and understandable sections. This book begins with the basics, covering fundamental programming principles and Python syntax working forward through writing maintainable code. This structured approach ensures that readers build a solid foundation before tackling more challenging material.

One of the standout features of Python Essentials is its practical focus. Peters includes numerous real-world examples that show you how to apply skills to solve real issues. This hands-on approach not only reinforces the theoretical concepts but also helps readers see the practical value of what they are learning. This book includes quizzes and exercises at the end of each chapter, which you can use to test your level of comprehension.

This book contains information about data structures and modular programming, important for writing maintainable code. Peters’ clear explanations and step-by-step instructions make these advanced topics approachable, even for those with no prior programming experience.

Another notable aspect of this book is its emphasis on thinking like a programmer. This focus on cognitive skills, combined with the technical content, makes Python Essentials a well-rounded guide for aspiring programmers. This section is valuable for individuals seeking to enhance their skill set and apply Python to their careers.

Python Essentials You Always Wanted to Know is a highly recommended read for anyone interested in learning Python. Its clear explanations, practical examples, knowledge checks, and comprehensive coverage make it a valuable resource for beginners and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Python programming.

This beginner-friendly guide makes mastering this versatile language accessible for everyone. It provides clear explanations and practical examples while avoiding technical jargon, making it perfect for absolute beginners and those at various skill levels. Even as someone who isn’t usually into programming, I found it easy to follow!

This is a perfect format for an educational book, with each chapter starting with what we are going to learn, and ending with a quiz and a review. The explanations are also very clear, and I really like the "analog" examples. Using Python as base a for coding and computing is also clever, and the last chapters should be useful for anyone thinking about a career in computing.

Introduction
Shawn Peters’ "Python Essentials - You Always Wanted to Know", published by Vibrant Publishers, serves as an invaluable guide for both beginners and intermediate programmers looking to master Python. As the title suggests, this book is designed to break down essential Python concepts into digestible, practical lessons. Peters adopts a clear, structured approach to teaching one of the most popular programming languages today, making this book ideal for learners who want to build a solid foundation in Python.

Content Overview
The book covers a wide range of topics, from basic syntax and data structures to more advanced features like object-oriented programming and file handling. The book further explores Machine learning and Artificial Intelligence. Peters excels at presenting these topics in a sequential manner, allowing readers to gradually build their understanding. Each chapter is accompanied by code examples and exercises that reinforce the concepts explained, making it easier for readers to grasp Python's versatility and real-world applications. Whether you're working with strings, lists, or complex algorithms, the book offers step-by-step guidance that ensures thorough comprehension.

Writing Style
What makes "Python Essentials" stand out is Peters’ ability to simplify complex topics without overwhelming the reader. His writing is straightforward and engaging, making technical jargon accessible to those with little programming experience. The examples are well-illustrated and supported by explanations that feel conversational yet informative. Peters manages to maintain a perfect balance between theory and practice, making the book both a reference manual and a practical guide.

Practical Application
One of the strongest aspects of this book is its focus on practical application. Peters doesn't just explain Python concepts; he demonstrates how to use them in real-world scenarios. The exercises included at the end of each chapter encourage readers to apply their knowledge, whether they are automating tasks or working on data analysis projects. This approach helps readers gain confidence in coding, making the transition from theory to actual programming projects seamless.

Final Thoughts
Overall, "Python Essentials - You Always Wanted to Know" is a comprehensive and approachable resource for anyone eager to learn Python. Shawn Peters’ methodical, user-friendly writing style ensures that readers of all skill levels will find value in this book. Whether you're just starting or looking to refresh your skills, this book is a must-have for any aspiring Python programmer.

I would say that this is a solid ‘dip your toe’ kind of book. It gives a top-level understanding of key principles, but one would need to dig way deeper into how everything works in order to actually start programming. Test yourself quizzes in the end of each chapter a nice touch, they allow to check the basic understanding of the key ideas. But at the same time I think practice tasks to solve and actually apply the things explained in the chapter would have been nicer.

The Introduction promised that having read the book I would understand a number of things. And it does exactly that. I do understand. Applying though would be a whole different can of worms.

As for user experience, code snippets are difficult to read. Everything is the same font and colour, sometimes lines of two columns look like one line. Using actual IDE font and colours for the code parts so that they look different from the Output would be most helpful in my opinion. I also had difficulties reading big tables. Row and column headings aren’t visible when turning a page or scrolling horizontally. My ADHD brain kept jumping back and forth and it was difficult to take in the table.

Please also pay attention to proofreading: First, we must first identify the requirements of the program. (just one example)