Python Developer's Handbook

project where I had to spend some time studying snakes to display at an exhibition. After analyzing

Red Tail boas and coral snakes, I found this 3-year old giant of 10 feet, 40+ pounds. Instantly, I

recognized that snake as being the same one that I had seen in my dream years before. Its name was

Python, but at that time, I still couldn't figure out what was the relationship between that reptile and the

world domination.

Fifteen years ago, I was trying to select a channel in my old TV set, when a special program caught my

attention—A huge animated foot was dancing in the opening titles. After the program started, there

were a group of funny guys who were playing jokes about parrots and lumberjacks. After watching

tons of episodes and all their five films, I decided to write a book about them. I noticed that they were

called Python too. Maybe that was the answer. That troupe would dominate the entire world. I wanted

universe of Python, a fantastic programming language that can help you to implement solutions for

almost all types of IT challenges that you might face. Almost all IT-related tasks, such as the

manipulation of database systems, or the design of Web-driven applications can be managed using

Python. Maybe that's the answer for my dream.

For the last couple of months, I've been trying to organize all the information about Python that I have

available, arranging them in this book. I can't say that I have included every little thing in the book, but

I do know that I have covered the most important aspects of the Python language. Note that along the 5-

month development period of this book, Python had several version upgrades, which made things way

more difficult to organize. So, I apologize if something important is missing.

This book is organized into 18 chapters and some additional appendixes, where each one covers a

The book starts with a very extensive review of the language and the modules that come as part of the

Python distribution. It goes through Object-Oriented Programming, Networking, Web Development,

Graphical Interfaces, and other important topics. The last chapter covers JPython, a version of Python

that runs in Java systems.

A long answer is

Chapter 1 explains what Python is, why Python must be used, where to get support and how to go

through each installation process.

Chapter 2 is a complete review of the Python programming language. By the end of this chapter, you

will learn how to create Python applications.

Chapter 3 shows which main modules extensions are currently available and for what purposes they

using other languages and how to call Python methods from within other applications.

Chapter 7 explains objects interfacing and distribution. The information provided in this chapter

explains objects distribution and how to use them from within other systems.

Chapter 8 shows all the database options available within Python. For those that don't know anything

about database yet, it explains how databases work and how to execute basic SQL statements.

Chapter 9 provides very useful information concerning the use and manipulation of some advanced

topics, including images, sounds, threads, and scientific Python Modules.

Chapter 10 explains basic network concepts and invites you to play with these concepts using Python

programs.

Chapter 11 provides information concerning how to use Python for Internet development. It also

GUI.

Chapter 16 shows some performance suggestions, and guides you through the process of writing clean

code within style.

Chapter 17 introduces a handful programming tools. You will learn how to go through all the

development stages without fear, including how to debug, compile, and distribute Python applications.

Chapter 18 demonstrates how easy it is to mix Java and Python using JPython.

Now that you know that you have a lot of interesting material to learn, I suggest you accept my hint:

The best way to read this book is by sitting on a comfortable beach chair, or laying on your bed, and

relaxing. If for some reason, if you think the topic is getting boring, just turn the page and go to another

chapter until you find something that you like. Later, you can return to where you originally left. This