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February 2003
Book Review: Making Use of Python
by Cameron Laird
Making Use of Python
Rashi Gupta
ISBN: 0-471-21975-4
John Wiley & Sons, 2002
416 Pages, $35.00
You can do better than Making Use of Python.
Python is a computing language whose popularity appears to be expanding rapidly. While it's not as well known as Java and C, for example, it seems to have "turned the corner" in that hiring departments now spell it correctly and mid-level managers have largely stopped saying "No way!" when presented with a decision about Python. Another index of public perception is the growth of the Python shelf in bookstores. I find Making Use of Python an uninspired addition.
Comparisons
Wiley's Making Use of series seems to be a successful one as, in their own way, are the Dummies, Cookbook, Deitel, and other computing language brands. Such brands promise readers consistent tone, production values, and related features.
Wiley's own explanation of this series begins: "The Making Use of series steers clear of the traditional content-based approach and uses a problem-based approach to deliver the concepts of a technology." While the thought of avoiding "content" makes me uneasy, I'm willing to give alternatives a chance.
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