Advanced Python programming book like "Effective C++"?

Question

There are a lot of books out there for new programmers getting into Python. However, are there any books for people who are experienced both in programming and to some degree in Python that introduces advanced topics, subtleties, gotchas, and best practices in Python?

I'm thinking in terms of something like Effective C++ or Effective Java.

There's a number of topics that beginners don't care about, that people using Python for Serious Business TM want to know. For instance, tips for writing code that is both portable across platforms, and across different versions of Python. What standard library modules are broken, and what are the better alternatives?

Answer 1

Bruce Eckel is writing a new book, Python 3 Patterns & Idioms. It looks very promising.

You may be interested in the Python cookbook too.

Answer 2

I haven't read it yet myself, but John D. Cook recommends "Expert Python Programming" on his Endeavor blog. I am more than halfway through "Core Python", John's other recommendation. His choice was spot on. It's an excellent book.

I think so highly of John, his blog, and his work that his recommendations carry more weight with me.

Answer 3

Who needs a book when you have SO-just my humble opinion

Answer 4

I think reading Python source code is also a good choice to have a deep insight into how Python actually works, since CPython implementation is quite clean and easy to read.

Answer 5

I can really recommend you

Core Python Programming by Wesley J. Chun

it's simple and advanced at the same time, very pleasantly written, covers the basics as well as good practises and a great bunch of advanced topics.

Greetings,

Tom

Answer 6

I recommend this book.

Python Scripting for Computational Science Series: Texts in Computational Science and Engineering , Vol. 3 Langtangen, Hans Petter 3rd ed. 2008. Corr. 2nd printing, 2009, XXVI, 758 p. 62 illus., Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-540-73915-9

http://www.springer.com/math/cse/book/978-3-540-73915-9

Answer 7

I would strongly suggest Pro Python by Marty Alchin, the author of Pro Django.