The Definitive Guide to Programming Professionally

HORRIBLE BOOK!!!! How could this book average over 4 stars is beyond me. It is quite literally the worst Python book I have come across. First and I could forgive this if the content was good, the print in the examples in pathetic. It looks like a 4th recopy from a 25 year old copy machine. That however is the good news about this tripe. This book clearly was written with the goal of making money and generating interest in the writer's website, not to teach Python to beginners. The cursory handling of Object Oriented Programming paradigms and attributes is a good example of how this book fails on so many levels. The author doesn't even bother to teach OOP in the fundamentals of Python portion of the book, and instead tries to teach fundamentals of computer science to readers who have not developed a sense of Python's syntax at this point. While this could theoretically be done, it's a disaster in this context. The reader is most likely a self taught student of programming who has no formal CS training and is being given terse examples of concepts such as "encapsulation" without even understanding e.g. a proper use of a "while loop". Students and particularly self taught students, need to master basics and then move on to such subject matters. While I can agree that all developers will need to understand OOP at some point, bad knowledge is worse than no knowledge. You can program without understanding CS, but you can't get ahead with bad information in your learning. I would rather admit I don't know "polymorphism" that to give the wrong definition e.g. I could keep going here, but I hope you get the idea here. This book is not even good as a basic Python book, much less for an intro to CS book. Get Python Crash Course or Head Smart: Learn to code as a beginner book and leave this trash to some other fool.

I studied programing not the support needed to be a programmer. Without the support systems mentioned coding is one dimension only. With this book the three with all color not just black and white are in focus. Great job!

I'm in tech recruiting for experienced software engineers - we need to know our stuff if we don't want to get laughed away. I thought this was a great way to understand what I need to know in a very straight-forward way, and I was not wrong. This book really changed the way I recruit and has really influenced my perspective of professional programming in a way that makes conversations more interesting and effective. In fact, it's even encouraged me to try some of it and I've made a github account with some very basic practicing. I liked what I learned so much that I actually reached out to the author and asked if he would donate a few of these to the Django Girl's workshop I co-organize in Seattle, Washington, and he said yes! It's a workshop that aims to increase the presence of women in the tech industry and so this book is super relevant to the mission. To be clear, I would've given this book a five star rating anyway, but the graciousness of the author gives it an extra verbal star to boot.

Thanks for helping all us gals out!

I'm enjoying The Self -Taught Programmer.

Because I elected to use Python's latest release, some of the syntax in the book's examples will not run as written, and one must figure out the "why" for one's selves, as well as search for the correct syntax
There are plenty of websites teaching Python and most are up to date with the new conventions, etc.
All this means, if one is not afraid to dive in and figure things out for one's self, I recommend a purchase. If one is a bit skittish and wants all examples to run as written, you may want to look elsewhere or at least look for a download of the book's version of Python..
However, if one does not want to figure things out for one's self, is one ready for programming?

This book has been helpful in my journey to learn to program. The book is approachable and the subjects are well explained. I felt it did a good job of helping grasping concepts without overwhelming me. The challenges at the end are great too.

This book has been helpful in my journey to learn to program. The book is approachable and the subjects are well explained. I felt it did a good job of helping grasping concepts without overwhelming me. The challenges at the end are great too.

So COOL!!! I just finally ordered the book this morning. I read the beginning. Love the style you use to write it. I felt like you were talking to only me. Can't wait to read the rest. I will be recommending it to my friends. Well done!

The 'Self Taught Programmer' is not just another introduction to programming. It guides the reader from idea to example to practice to usefulness and it does so in an easy to understand manner akin to that of a causal conversation. This is not a dry hard read, but a path of understanding on what to know, how to use it and where to go next. Each topic is well planned and builds on prior subjects. Add to this the accompanying website, forums and feedback from the author and you have a resource which will serve you well in your journey to become another 'self taught' or better programmer.

Honestly this is an amazing book I am really glad I backed it on Kickstarter when I had the chance. It is a great introduction to coding I have picked up a few Udemy classes and they are nothing compared to this book. I work in the IT field and knew only HTML coming into Python and this book really helped me out because it helps you push more into the coding world. I personally think this is a must have when going into the world of coding and you really want to learn Python!

Formatting of code samples displays horribly wrong on Windows 10 PC with the Kindle Store app as well as the
the store web reader in Chrome. Even short code snippets extend to be a page long... unreadable book due to that.

A thorough comprehensive guide for the noob and professional alike who often want to "go deep" but we have..er.. jobs! I am an technologist trained in electronics, circuit analysis and troubleshooting, spending over 20 years in a career I like - but didn't love. I always loved software and programming and this book kind of reset me and brought me back to "let's go for it" and stop thinking about going back to school or what have you...just teach yourself and work hard at it. The book is focused on Python and Cory relates it well, his experience switching careers is what impressed me and after the basics brings you into tools, object-oriented programming, computer science and ultimately pursuing professionally. The book is light on the subjects... and has to be... its not a criticism each of the subjects such as OOP, algorithms, data structures are core subjects and books by themselves. This is fresh and is like a roadmap along with punching in some nitty gritty skills, tools and concepts. It is quite frankly the only book I have read on programming that lives up to it's title. If you have that itch and it's gnawing at you and you have picked up a few books but they don't get you going...well...I think this one will. Thanks Cory! I am on the path. :)

I was expecting much more, the book disappointed me. The title should be "How to Bluff Perfectly: Programming"
The description is misleading. I expected the essential info for self-taught programmers, that allow them to work proffesionaly, tell them what proffesional programmer know and amateurs do not.
This book tries to teach programming, and I bet there are millions of books about programming, that are much better at it.
I have started as self-taught programmer, went all the way, and I was looking forward to reading this book, but it's targeted for people that want to be programmers, or even convince those who don't.
Piece of advice, if you want to be a programmer, read good books about it. This one will teach you only few professionally sounded phrases to throw at parties, posing for a programmer.
One thing is true there, the author is an real self-taught amateur, which prooves on occasions in this book.

I decided to explore this book to review my understanding of the field and see whether there was something new I didn't know about. The content in this book provides you with a global framework to begin a career in tech. The explanations are intuitive and described in Python, the most practical, simple yet powerful programming language I have knowledge of. I recommend it for beginners and people who wanna check the minimum skills required when you are planning to work the professional level.

A truly valuable book for those looking to learn to code. Cory's approach is inspirational and with many insights. Throughout the book you can feel the passion the author placed in writing a simple and yet elaborate guide for those starting out in their coding journey. This book is for those who feel that time and time again they have started coding online only to have to pay for the next lesson when the free trail ended. For those who are truly motivated to code this will be an enjoyable learning process and you will not be dissatisfied.
I hope you take this next step in your journey to coding professionally.

The Kindle version is not the paperback version. It's annoying when the paperback is 271 pages, but the Kindle version shows over 6,000 pages. It's impossible to navigate or use the table of contents. Don't waste your money on the Kindle Version. I'll probably buy the paper back version.

One of the best programming books out there.IF YOU ARE NEW TO PROGRAMMING THIS SHOULD BE YOUR BIBLE!!!!! IT COVERS THE BASIC AND THINGS YOJ WOULDN'T EVEN KNOW TO CONSIDER WHEN LEARNING PROGRAMMING. I AM SO GREATFUL TO CORY ALTHOFF FOR WRITING THIS BOOK. I have learned so much... Get this book if you not only want to teach yourself programming but ,think,learn and UNDERSTAND LIKE A PROGRAMMER. CAN'T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THIS. SELF- LEARNERS THIS IS FOR YOU....LIFE CHANGING!!!!!

Thank you Corey!!!

Fantastic book and is very simple to understand. I'm not experienced with much programming, just a few classes and online videos. This book is structured perfectly for beginners. It uses easy to follow examples and easy enough vocabulary. Also, the author is very willing to give help when needed online. At least for my issue. It's great. I would recommend this to anyone who is just curious about programming too.

This book in unreal, my results after using the lessons are amazing! I have made myself so much more valuable to my company i am making a lot more money because of it. And if i ever go on my own I can do very well for myself. It is so inexpensive and easy to read, I honestly highly suggest just to try it and take the plunge. You will be very glad you did!

I originally judged the hell out of this book based on its presentation. But I guess the old adage "Don't just a book by its cover" is cliche for a reason. In spite of its simplistic presentation, it actually helped me retain the knowledge better than I was anticipating. Your mileage may vary, of course; but my experience with this book has so far been fruitful.

This book was great as it taught me everything about python, program paradigms and tips to go professional. Very well written and easy to understand. If your serious go through twice and do the extras such as leet.com to get better.

I have been interested in learning programming for years but have never found a tool that has stuck with me. The Self Taught Programmer is my new reference guide for advancing my journey. I really appreciate how Cory introduces to the reader the mindset needed to be a successful programmer. His emphasis on this throughout the book keeps me motivated!

An amazing book to inspire and assist aspiring programmers who are fearful of the slog and quagmire of business jargon, startup costs, and entry barriers. I have learned more in the last two months than the previous 20+ years, since becoming involved with the "self taught programmer" movement.

I absolutely love the passion Cory possesses for programming. He ties together the need to actively pursue new language skills with well explained code reinforced with examples the readers can apply to their environment. A wonderful addition to both a novice and experienced programmer’s library.

This book was great as it taught me everything about python, program paradigms and tips to go professional. Very well written and easy to understand. If your serious go through twice and do the extras such as leet.com to get better.

I have been interested in learning programming for years but have never found a tool that has stuck with me. The Self Taught Programmer is my new reference guide for advancing my journey. I really appreciate how Cory introduces to the reader the mindset needed to be a successful programmer. His emphasis on this throughout the book keeps me motivated!

An amazing book to inspire and assist aspiring programmers who are fearful of the slog and quagmire of business jargon, startup costs, and entry barriers. I have learned more in the last two months than the previous 20+ years, since becoming involved with the "self taught programmer" movement.