Murach's Python Programming by Michael Urban and Joel Murach

“Murach's Python Programming” follows the standard style of Murach books. The left side of each paired page is text and the right side is code/tables/bullets. This is great for learning a new language because it lets you easily reference the highlights while also having a text description available. It's also if Python isn't your first language so you can skim the text you know about already.

The book teaches IDLE as an editor at the same time as Python and includes tips on debugging. The appendixes specific to Windows and Mac are helpful. I like that it covers essential skills such as reading/writing files and databases (SQLite.) The examples are fun such as Dice and Movies.

I especially like the exercises at the end of each chapter. These are great suggestions for practicing what the reader learned in the chapter.

This review comes with a bonus for the physical book. I had a bottle of water without the lid closed well and managed to get water all over my bag including getting this book sopping wet. When it dried out, it was fine; just crispy. I was pleasantly surprised and content with Murach's paper quality. I don't recommend “waterboarding” your book even though it worked out well though

I give this book 9 out of 10 horseshoes.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the publisher for reviewing it on behalf of CodeRanch.