Python Crash Course Review: Learn Python (Beginners)
Are you in search of a beginner-friendly yet robust book to initiate your journey into programming and Python?
Embarking on the path of coding without a tech background can be daunting. One of the primary dilemmas is:
“Which programming language should one begin with?”
Given the myriad of languages available, reaching a decision can seem overwhelming at times.
So, assuming you’ve opted to commence with Python—fantastic!
Your next hurdle is locating the appropriate learning resources. There are online courses, video tutorials, bootcamps, study groups, and more to consider.
I delved into coding in 2017 and selected Python as my inaugural language.
Despite experimenting with various online resources, none quite resonated with me. Coding seemed excessively abstract, prompting a desire for something more tactile to facilitate learning.
Fortunately, I stumbled upon the Python Crash Course book at my local bookstore. It accelerated my progress beyond my expectations, despite lacking any prior experience in computer programming.
Within a matter of days, I acquired the skills to engage in fun coding projects using Python and commenced crafting my initial programs and scripts from scratch.
This book served as the ideal launchpad for my coding journey—plain and simple.
Hence, if you’re grappling with finding suitable Python resources to kickstart your journey, you’ve landed in the right spot.
In this piece, I’ll share my insights on Python Crash Course and assist you in determining whether it could be beneficial for you as well.
Let’s dive right in!
What is Python Crash Course?
Python Crash Course, authored by Eric Matthes, is an introductory Python book tailored for beginners. Initially released in August 2015, it saw an updated 2nd edition in 2019.
Described as a “hands-on, project-based introduction to programming,” this book is particularly suitable for novices venturing into coding.
If you’re embarking on your coding journey and seek a comprehensive primer, look no further.
What sets Python Crash Course apart from many other Python and coding resources is its emphasis on practical learning.
You can progress through the theoretical sections at your own pace, actively honing your skills by writing actual code in your preferred text editor.
The latter part of the book offers three immersive Python projects, each broken down into manageable steps for seamless learning.
Python Crash Course Review: Quick Pros and Cons (TL:DR)
Following are the pros and cons of learning with Python Crash Course:
Pros of Python Crash Course
- Ideal for absolute newcomers.
- Instructs you in optimal programming techniques – beneficial for proficiency in any programming language.
- Extremely practical content – you dive into coding from the outset in the initial chapter, grasping concepts through active engagement rather than passive video tutorials.
- Thorough and comprehensive explanations – providing a deep understanding of every aspect of the code you produce.
- Accessible to all – the book guides you through the installation of Python on your system and configuring your coding environment.
- Cost-effective compared to subscription-based online learning platforms.
Cons Of Python Crash Course
- Books often come with the drawback of being cumbersome and accessible only offline.
- Additionally, the content within them may risk becoming outdated over time.
- Unlike many online learning resources, books typically lack an interactive community aspect.
Why I Chose Python Crash Course
My interest in teaching myself how to code sparked during the early July 2017
Choosing a programming language proved to be a challenge. I experimented with Ruby, PHP, and Python through various online tutorials to gain initial insights.
Among them, Python stood out as the most intuitive to me, prompting me to delve deeper into its intricacies.
For those new to programming and undecided on which language to pursue, exploring the advantages of Python is highly recommended. It serves as an excellent starting point for beginners and holds significant demand in the job market.
However, navigating through online courses and video tutorials proved futile.
My learning journey lacked structure and consistency, leading to aimless switching between different resources.
In search of a structured approach, I sought out the ideal beginner-level Python book.
When starting out in coding, having a handy reference for syntax lookup and troubleshooting proves invaluable.
My introduction to Python Crash Course occurred during a visit to a local bookstore. I was drawn to its well-organized layout, thorough explanations, and reader-friendly approach.
While other Python books contained compelling and comprehensive content, many seemed to overlook beginner readers beyond the initial chapters.
Python Crash Course Review: Book Contents
So what’s inside?
What initially caught my eye about Python Crash Course was how the content was structured:
- The first part of the book is about the basics of Python.
- The second part consists of three different practical projects.
Out of all the books I looked at, this one had the strongest combination of theory and practice.
Because when you start learning how to code, you want to start working on your first projects as quickly as possible. Applying your skills to real projects helps you understand how the language works in practice.
Let’s take a closer look at the two parts of the book:
Part 1: Python Syntax and Basics
The initial segment of the book delves into Python’s functionalities, syntax, and core components. This includes exploration of:
- Lists
- Dictionaries
- Loops
- Classes
- Functions
- Testing
- And more.
Furthermore, the book provides guidance on crafting clean and comprehensible code throughout its entirety.
Each chapter is complemented by a selection of practical exercises. These exercises begin with straightforward challenges at the onset of each chapter, progressively advancing in complexity as you delve into more intricate topics. This structured approach ensures a smooth learning trajectory.
Moreover, both the code examples and exercises are meticulously explained throughout the book, catering to readers at all levels of expertise. As a complete novice, I found this level of detail immensely beneficial.
For individuals entirely new to coding and Python, this book offers adequate depth in covering these foundational concepts.
However, for those already acquainted with the language, some of the exercises may seem overly simplistic and rudimentary.
Part 2: Practical Python Projects
The latter section of Python Crash Course features three practical projects.
2D gaming experience, Alien Invasion: Embark on the journey of creating your own video game reminiscent of Space Invaders using the Pygame library. It’s an entertaining method to grasp Python fundamentals while crafting enjoyable games for personal enjoyment and sharing with others. It’s a blend of amusement and valuable practice!
Data analysis and visualization: The subsequent project delves into the realm of data analysis, guiding you through the process of examining data and drawing insightful conclusions. You’ll familiarize yourself with renowned Python libraries and modules like matplotlib and Pygal, mastering their utilization for effective data representation.
Web application development with Django: In the concluding endeavor, you’ll delve into crafting a straightforward web journal application. This project introduces you to the Django web framework, equipping you with the skills to deploy your web application for universal accessibility. For those intrigued by backend web development, this undertaking serves as an excellent entry point. As you enhance your expertise, you can seamlessly incorporate new features and functionalities.
Related: What Is a Web Application?
The projects serve as excellent demonstrations of the potential creations achievable with Python using just this single book.
Upon reviewing all these projects on the first day, even though I didn’t grasp much about them initially, it was reassuring to envision what I could construct once I completed the initial portion of the book.
Occasionally, I would revisit the projects to gauge my understanding level.
This provided me with a clear objective to work towards, facilitating easy monitoring of my advancement.
Undoubtedly, the projects represent the book’s most significant advantage. The prospect of progressing through the chapters and ultimately having a comprehensive web application to enhance my portfolio proved incredibly motivating for me.
Why Python Crash Course is perfect for beginners
You can dive into learning with Python Crash Course even without any prior programming experience.
The book serves as an introduction not only to the Python programming language but also to the broader concepts of object-oriented programming.
Every coding concept is meticulously explained, making it an ideal resource for absolute beginners.
Overall, mastering the fundamentals of programming and Python is made effortlessly accessible through this book. However, this ease of learning might also stem from Python’s inherent simplicity.
For those unfamiliar, Python is a high-level programming language renowned for its readability—it closely resembles English.
Additionally, Python Crash Course facilitates the creation of your initial projects for your developer portfolio. This process allows for the simultaneous development of problem-solving skills, gradually cultivating a programmer’s mindset.
The trio of projects presented in the latter portion of the book offers a solid introduction to real-world coding endeavors you may undertake in the future. Moreover, they underscore Python’s versatility, demonstrating its applicability in diverse domains such as data analysis, game development, web development, and beyond
How Long Did It Take Me?
Mastering the syntax and fundamentals outlined in the initial segment of the book consumed approximately three weeks of my time. Surprisingly, completing the first project, a web application, required only three days.
Admittedly, I didn’t grasp every aspect of my endeavors initially. Understanding the intricacies of the Django framework proved to be a lengthier process.
Despite initially perceiving coding as a daunting endeavor, I was astounded by how rapidly I began crafting my own small programs. However, due to my commitments to a full-time job, I couldn’t dedicate as much time to the book as I desired.
Transitioning from a state of minimal knowledge about Python and lacking any programming experience to developing a fully functional web application took merely four weeks. This accomplishment fueled my curiosity and propelled me to delve deeper into coding.
My journey with Python ignited the idea of creating a blog. Subsequently, I delved into further exploration of web development and the art of constructing websites from scratch.
Just two months later, bolstered by newfound confidence, I ventured into seeking my first freelance opportunities online.
Upon completing my inaugural freelance project, I recognized my passion for this field and made the decision to transition to full-time freelancing, bidding farewell to my previous employment.
The initial success of earning $1,000 through freelancing prompted me to establish my own web development business.
I owe a debt of gratitude to Python Crash Course for laying the foundation of my achievements. This resource not only imparted the essentials of Python but also instilled in me a broader understanding of programming concepts.
Through this book, I acquired the ability to methodically address practical challenges and resolve them through coding.
It taught me the mindset of a programmer, enabling me to apply my skills to real-world projects.
Above all, Python Crash Course demonstrated the sheer enjoyment that coding can offer, culminating in the development of three tangible projects to showcase my proficiency.
Final thoughts: Python Crash Course Review
Learning Python through Python Crash Course was an empowering journey. It served as my introduction to programming, offering both a solid foundation and plenty of enjoyment.
While this book didn’t fully prepare me for a professional Python developer role, it provided an excellent starting point. It equipped me with a fundamental understanding of programming concepts and showcased the creative possibilities Python offers.
If you’re new to coding and prefer learning from books, Python Crash Course could be the ideal companion. It meticulously explains syntax and code, making it particularly suitable for beginners with minimal to no prior programming experience.
Completing all the exercises and projects within the book offers a comprehensive overview of Python’s capabilities. Moreover, the projects serve as valuable springboards for further learning and skill development. As you delve deeper, you can experiment with additional features and complexities, thereby enhancing your proficiency and confidence.
Should you have any inquiries about Python Crash Course, feel free to reach out in the comments below!
P.S. If you found this post helpful, please consider sharing it with others. Your support is greatly appreciated!
– CODEICAL