Page 23 - Python Basics: A Practical Introduction to Python 3

1.1. Why This Book?

You may be asking yourself, What should I learn about Python in the
beginning to get a strong foundation? If so, then this book is for you,
no matter if you’re a complete beginner or if you’ve already dabbled
in Python or other languages.

Python Basics is written in plain English and breaks down the core
concepts that you really need to know into bite-sized chunks. This
means you’ll learn enough to be dangerous with Python, fast.

Instead of just going through a boring list of language features, you’ll
see exactly how the different building blocks fit together and what’s
involved in building real applications and scripts with Python.

Step by step, you’ll master fundamental Python concepts that will help
you get started on your journey toward learning Python.

Many programming books try to cover every last possible variation
of every command, which makes it easy for readers to get lost in the
details. This approach is great if you’re looking for a reference manual,
but it’s a horrible way to learn a programming language. Not only do
you spend most of your time cramming things into your head that
you’ll never use, but you also don’t have any fun!

This book is built on the 80/20 principle, which suggests that you can
learn most of what you need to know by focusing on a few crucial con-
cepts. We’ll cover the commands and techniques used in the vast ma-
jority of cases and focus on how to program real-world solutions to
everyday problems.

This way, we guarantee that you will:

• Learn useful programming techniques quickly

• Spend less time struggling with unimportant complications
• Find more practical uses for Python in your own life
• Have more fun in the process

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