Learning Python

Get a comprehensive, in-depth introduction to the core Python language with this hands-on book. Based on author Mark Lutz's popular training course, this updated sixth edition will help you quickly write efficient, high-quality code with Python.


Mark Lutz is the author of Python's classic and foundational texts, a former trainer with two decades of experience teaching Python to newcomers, and one of the people responsible for the prominence that Python enjoys today.

Mark wrote the three O'Reilly books Learning Python, Programming Python, and Python Pocket Reference, all currently in fourth, fifth, or sixth editions. He has been using and promoting Python since 1992, started writing Python books in 1995, and began teaching Python classes in 1997.

All told, Mark has taught thousands of learners live and in person, and his published works span 12k pages among 15 books that cover Pythons 1.X through 3.X. He also has BS and MS degrees in computer science, work experience in compilers and other domains, and a current interest in Python-coded apps that run on both PCs and phones.