Top Python books recommended by experts

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

Table of Contents

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.

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.

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Python Distilled

Python Distilled has a perfectly suited title: This book is for experienced programmers who want to learn Python and need the Python programming language's core syntax, standard library, and Pythonic idioms.

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Intuitive Python: Productive Development for Projects That Last

In this book, you will learn about some of Python's greatest strengths, weaknesses, and tools to maximize the utility and resiliency of your Python projects. This book contains content for programmers—especially programmers newer to Python—interested in leveling up the projects they maintain with Python.

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Python for Data Analysis

Python can quickly create and manage data structures, allowing you to analyze and manipulate complex data sets. Python also has a massive ecosystem of libraries and tools that can assist in processing data quickly and efficiently. It features simple syntax, making Python easier to learn and understand.

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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 learn Python by working through 52 brilliantly crafted exercises. Read them. Type their code precisely. …

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Grokking Algorithms: An Illustrated Guide for Programmers and Other Curious People

Grokking Algorithms is a friendly take on this core computer science topic. In it, you'll learn how to apply common algorithms to the practical programming problems you face every day. You'll start with tasks like sorting and searching.

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Additional Python Reading

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

High Performance Python

Your Python code may run correctly, but you need it to run faster. Updated for Python 3, this expanded edition shows you how to locate performance bottlenecks and significantly speed up your code in high-data-volume programs. By exploring the fundamental theory behind design choices, High Performance Python helps you gain a deeper understanding of Python's implementation.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Serious Python: Black-Belt Advice on Deployment, Scalability, Testing, and More

An indispensable collection of practical tips and real-world advice for tackling common Python problems and taking your code to the next level. Features interviews with high-profile Python developers who share their tips, tricks, best practices, and real-world advice gleaned from years of experience.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Invent Your Own Computer Games with Python

Invent Your Own Computer Games with Python teaches you how to program in the Python language. Each chapter gives you the complete source code for a new game, and then teaches the programming concepts from the examples. Games include Guess the Number, Hangman, Tic Tac Toe, and Reversi.

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Machine Learning with PyTorch and Scikit-Learn: Develop Machine Learning and Deep Learning Models with Python

Machine Learning with PyTorch and Scikit-Learn is a comprehensive guide to machine learning and deep learning with PyTorch. It acts as both a step-by-step tutorial and a reference you'll keep coming back to as you build your machine learning systems.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

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.

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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 lengthy books, expensive online courses or complicated Python tutorials.

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

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

This list is curated by MentorCruise and can include Amazon affiliate links. Have any other suggestions? Add here.

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