Top Python books curated by experts

At MentorCruise, we are all about making the most out of the experience of others. As part of that, we have connected and asked dozens of experts and professionals about their favourite Python books – and here are the answers.

  • Curated by industry experts
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  • Updated annually
Top Python books recommended by experts
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Fundamentals of Python

Understanding the concepts of Python starts with understanding the fundamentals. On your way to mastery, it's crucial for you to understand how certain concepts were derived, and why things work like they do. Starting with these resources is the best way to do so.

Learn Python in One Day and Learn it Well: Python for Beginners with Hands-on Project : the Only Book You Need to Start Coding in Python Immediately

Learn Python in One Day and Learn it Well: Python for Beginners with Hands-on Project : the Only Book You Need to Start Coding in Python Immediately

Have you always wanted to learn computer programming but are afraid it'll be too difficult for you? Or perhaps you know other programming languages but are interested in learning the Python language fast? This book is for you. You no longer have to waste your time and money learning Python from …

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, 2nd Edition: Practical Programming for Total Beginners

Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, 2nd Edition: Practical Programming for Total Beginners

If you've ever spent hours renaming files or updating spreadsheet cells, you know how tedious tasks like these can be. But what if you could have your computer do them for you? Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, 2nd Edition teaches even the technically uninclined how to write programs that d…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Practices of the Python Pro

Practices of the Python Pro

Practices of the Python Pro teaches you to design and write professional-quality software that's understandable, maintainable, and extensible. Dane Hillard is a Python pro who has helped many dozens of developers make this step, and he knows what it takes.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Causal Inference and Discovery in Python: Unlock the Secrets of Modern Causal Machine Learning with DoWhy, EconML, PyTorch and More

Causal Inference and Discovery in Python: Unlock the Secrets of Modern Causal Machine Learning with DoWhy, EconML, PyTorch and More

Causal Inference and Discovery in Python helps you unlock the potential of causality. You'll start with basic motivations behind causal thinking and a comprehensive introduction to Pearlian causal concepts, such as structural causal models, interventions, counterfactuals, and more.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

The Big Book of Small Python Projects: 81 Easy Practice Programs

The Big Book of Small Python Projects: 81 Easy Practice Programs

This collection of 81 Python projects will have you making digital art, games, animations, counting pro- grams, and more right away. Once you see how the code works, you'll practice re-creating the programs and experiment by adding your own custom touches.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Learn Python the Hard Way: A Very Simple Introduction to the Terrifyingly Beautiful World of Computers and Code

Learn Python the Hard Way: A Very Simple Introduction to the Terrifyingly Beautiful World of Computers and Code

Zed Shaw has perfected the world’s best system for learning Python 3. Follow it and you will succeed—just like the millions of beginners Zed has taught to date! You bring the discipline, commitment, and persistence; the author supplies everything else. In Learn Python 3 the Hard Way, you’ll lear…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Additional Python Reading

These books are not required for you to learn Python, but they are highly recommended for you to deepen your knowledge.

Python Cookbook

Python Cookbook

If you need help writing programs in Python 3, or want to update older Python 2 code, this book is just the ticket. Packed with practical recipes written and tested with Python 3.3, this unique cookbook is for experienced Python programmers who want to focus on modern tools and idioms.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Python for Data Analysis: Data Wrangling with pandas, NumPy, and Jupyter

Python for Data Analysis: Data Wrangling with pandas, NumPy, and Jupyter

Get the definitive handbook for manipulating, processing, cleaning, and crunching datasets in Python. Updated for Python 3.10 and pandas 1.4, the third edition of this hands-on guide is packed with practical case studies that show you how to solve a broad set of data analysis problems effectivel…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Automate the Boring Stuff with Python

Automate the Boring Stuff with Python

If you've ever spent hours renaming files or updating hundreds of spreadsheet cells, you know how tedious tasks like these can be. But what if you could have your computer do them for you?

In Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, you'll learn how to use Python to write programs that do …

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Python Crash Course: A Hands-on, Project-based Introduction to Programming

Python Crash Course: A Hands-on, Project-based Introduction to Programming

Python Crash Course is a fast-paced, thorough introduction to programming with Python that will have you writing programs, solving problems, and making things that work in no time.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Fluent Python: Clear, Concise, and Effective Programming

Fluent Python: Clear, Concise, and Effective Programming

Pythonâ??s simplicity lets you become productive quickly, but this often means you arenâ??t using everything it has to offer. With this hands-on guide, youâ??ll learn how to write effective, idiomatic Python code by leveraging its bestâ??and possibly most neglectedâ??features. Author Luciano Ram…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Head First Python: A Brain-Friendly Guide

Head First Python: A Brain-Friendly Guide

Why does this book look so different? Based on the latest research in cognitive science and learning theory, Head First Pythonuses a visually rich format to engage your mind, rather than a text heavy approach that puts you to sleep. Why waste your time struggling with new concepts? This multi se…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Specializations and Deeper Python Knowledge

You've got your basics in order – time to move on to some advanced and specialized concepts. Python is evolving every day, these books can help you master it.

Python Cookbook: Recipes for Mastering Python 3

Python Cookbook: Recipes for Mastering Python 3

This book is aimed at more experienced Python programmers who are looking to deepen their understanding of the language and modern programming idioms. Much of the material focuses on some of the more advanced techniques used by libraries, frameworks, and applications.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

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