Book Reviews: Mastering Python by Michael B. White

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope your weekends went well. I’ve had quite the doozy myself, scrambling to get stuff done before I go on vacation. I foolishly pulled an all-nighter this past weekender and still have not recovered, but at least I received good news from an editing client! So, what do I decide to do when my brain is fried from lack of sleep? Discuss high-end programming languages, of course! Today I have a book I want to bring to the more tech-savvy among us looking into the best programming language for create web and desktop apps, Mastering Python: Machine Learning, Data Structures, Django, Object-Oriented Programming and Software Engineering (Including Bonus Programming Interview Questions) by Michael B. White.

Mastering Python is a detailed guide not only introducing readers to one of the more popular programming languages in the world but also explaining how machine learning works and using Python which such programs as Django and ArcGIS. Readers learn everything from how to install Python onto their computers to sorting algorithms to software development and testing. While it certainly cannot cover every part of this subject imaginable, this book goes in-depth into learning how to use Python and some of its more practical applications, giving novice programmers a solid foundation for their growing knowledge.

I have to be upfront about something: I know absolutely nothing about programming. It is the most foreign of foreign languages to me; I know more about Greek and Russian than programming languages. That’s why, when Michael B. White’s Mastering Python was brought to my attention, I decided to give it a try. I figured that I could at least get a feel for the complex issue in the first reading and then come back to it to help grow my understanding.

White’s writing is to easy follow for most of the book, even for those very new to programming like me. The terminology can be rather daunting, but such is to be expected from this subject matter. However, that does not necessarily make learning this programming language a passive act or entirely easy. This guide is very hands-on, requiring readers to have access to Python to the point that White uses part of the beginning to instruct readers on where and how to download Python depending on the operating system their computer uses. The tasks require practice to master, but White’s guide shows readers which steps they need to take to be successful while using Python for this wide variety of tasks.

My favorite part of Mastering Python, though, is the sheer variety of uses for Python that it covers. As the author says in the introduction and synopsis, Master Python is not just an introduction to the basics of this programming language. For me, the most interesting section is on the integration of Python with ArcGIS, a geographical software program which I learned about in a one-unit college course during high school. However, the depth and range of White’s coverage does necessitate a long book. In fact, it is over 600 pages long. It is not a light read and could take quite some time to read on its own, let alone read while actually trying to practice the advice given. Many will find this length intimidating, which is why I wonder if this book would’ve been better as a series of guides, but those dedicated to learning how to program probably will not be deterred.

Overall, Mastering Python by Michael B. White is not for everyone. The writing is easy to follow, but the book requires participation on the reader’s part in order for its knowledge to truly be imparted. If you have the patience for a book 600+ pages long and truly want to be able to make your own web and/or desktop applications, this book is for you.This is especially true if you already have intermediate knowledge of programming, more particularly Python. However, if you know nothing of the topic or are only dabbling in it, you will probably want to start out with a more basic guide and then move onto this book if programming with Python still piques your interest.

You can buy an eBook copy of Mastering Python by Michael B. White on Amazon.

Do you know of any books I should read? E-mail me at thewritersscrapbin@gmail.com and let me know!