Learning Python

Table of Contents

Preface   
 I. The Core Language
1. Getting Started  

      Why Python?   

      How to Run Python Programs   

      A First Look at Module Files   

      Python Configuration Details   

      Summary   

      Exercises   
2. Types and Operators  

      Python Program Structure   

      Why Use Built-in Types?   

      Numbers   

      Strings   

      Lists   

      Dictionaries   

      Tuples   

      Files   

      General Object Properties   

      Built-in Type Gotchas   

      Summary   

      Exercises   
3. Basic Statements  

      Assignment   

      Expressions   

      Print   

      if Tests   

      while Loops   

      for Loops   

      Common Coding Gotchas   

      Summary   

      Exercises   
4. Functions  

      Why Use Functions?   

      Function Basics   

      Scope Rules in Functions   

      Argument Passing   

      Odds and Ends   

      Function Gotchas   

      Summary   

      Exercises   
5. Modules  

      Why Use Modules?   

      Module Basics   

      Module Files Are Namespaces   

      Import Model   

      Reloading Modules   

      Odds and Ends   

      Module Gotchas   

      Summary   

      Exercises   
6. Classes  

      Why Use Classes?   

      Class Basics   

      Using the Class Statement   

      Using Class Methods   

      Inheritance Searches Namespace Trees   

      Operator Overloading in Classes   

      Namespace Rules: The Whole Story   

      Designing with Classes   

      Odds and Ends   

      Class Gotchas   

      Summary   

      Exercises   
7. Exceptions  

      Why Use Exceptions?   

      Exception Basics   

      Exception Idioms   

      Exception Catching Modes   

      Odds and Ends   

      Exception Gotchas   

      Summary   

      Exercises   
 II. The Outer Layers
8. Built-in Tools  

      Built-in Functions   

      Library Modules   

      Exercises   
9. Common Tasks in Python  

      Data Structure Manipulations   

      Manipulating Files   

      Manipulating Programs   

      Internet-Related Activities   

      Bigger Examples   

      Exercises   
10. Frameworks and Applications  

      An Automated Complaint System   

      Interfacing with COM: Cheap Public Relations   

      A Tkinter-Based GUI Editor for Managing Form Data   

      Design Considerations   

      JPython: The Felicitous Union of Python and Java   

      Other Frameworks and Applications   

      Exercises   
 III. Appendixes
A. Python Resources  
B. Platform-Specific Topics  
C. Solutions to Exercises  
Index   

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