The Python Standard Library by Example, written by Doug Hellman, Review by Tony Cappellini
This review was written on the printed version of the book. Another review of this publication was done using the ebook version and can be found elsewhere on this site. Doug Hellman is probably best known for the Python Module Of The Week website (PyMOTW). This site has been de-mystifying Python modules for many users. The Python Standard Library by Example takes that idea to the next level.
The book is succinctly divided into 19 chapters plus an introduction. Each chapter tackles a key subject area in the Python language, and each module pertaining to that subject is dissected with the same precision and clarity as the PyMOTW. The book s over 1300 pages long, so it’s not something you’ll finish quickly nor grow tired of. Furthermore, the code examples in the book can be downloaded so you’ll not be burdened by typing the code in by hand.
This is not a cookbook. Module usage and descriptions are followed by short-and-clean code samples that further explain the module’s purpose. There are plenty of URLs and references interspersed throughout the book to give the reader additional insight.
Occasionally, I’ll start paging through the book looking for a module I haven't used.Even after being a Python user for several years, I have learned about several modules that I wasn’t ware of. Sure, that information can be found in other references, but this book makes it all easier to understand.
With this book being so useful on a day-day basis, one wonders how we could have done without it before.
Excellent job Mr. Hellman!
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