5 Best Books on Python for Beginners and Experts in 2023

Python is a general-purpose interpreted programming language used for web development, software development, mathematics, and system scripting. It is one of the most sought-after programming languages, with numerous job opportunities. 

According to AmbitionBox, the average annual salary of a Python developer in India is INR 4.2 Lakhs. Clearly, learning Python can give a massive boost to your career. The best part about Python is that it is an easy language to learn and understand, and books are excellent resources for learning. Here are five of the best books on Python you should refer to for learning the language.

The Best Books on Python for All Skill Levels

1. Python Crash Course: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming by Eric Matthes

Rating: 4.36

Best suited for: Beginner-level programmers

Python Crash Course by Eric Matthes is an excellent book to start learning Python programming. It is a comprehensive introduction to programming with Python that will have you writing programs and solving problems in no time. In addition, the book includes a selection of projects that increases in difficulty level. As you work through this book, you will learn various Python Libraries and tools such as Pygame, NumPy, and Django and create basic Python 2-D games and web apps. 

2. Automate the Boring Stuff With Python: Practical Programming for Total Beginners by Al Sweigart

Rating: 4.29

Best suited for: Beginner and intermediate-level programmers

Automate the Boring Stuff With Python is one of the best books on Python for anyone transitioning from learning Python code to creating programs. It will help you master the fundamentals of Python 3 and explore rich library modules for programming tasks. Like scraping data from websites, downloading online content, sending emails and text notifications, automating clicking and typing tasks, and filling online forms. The author has also provided the book free to read online. 

3. Fluent Python: Clear, Concise, and Effective Programming by Luciano Ramalho

Rating: 4.62

Best suited for: Advanced-level programmers

Fluent Python is a reference book written for experienced Python 2 programmers who want to learn Python 3. This book will thoroughly instruct you in writing Python code by utilizing Python’s best (and sometimes overlooked) features. In the book, Luciano Ramalho takes a deep dive into the inner workings of the Python language. He covers various concepts in great detail with examples, including Python data models, data structures, object-oriented idioms, control flow, and metaprogramming. It is one of the best books on Python to read if you aim to become proficient in the programming language. 

4. Introduction to Machine Learning With Python: A Guide for Data Scientists by Andreas C. Müller, Sarah Guido

Rating: 4.35

Best suited for: Programmers who specialize in machine learning

Machine learning has become an integral part of many commercial applications and research projects, and the number of such applications has only risen over the years. Introduction to Machine Learning With Python will teach you how to build your machine-learning solutions using Python and the Scikit-learn library. This book starts with the fundamental concepts and applications of machine learning and moves on to advanced concepts such as model evaluation and improvement, data processing, and pipelines. It is one of the best books on Python for anyone who wants to learn to create machine-learning applications with this programming language. 

5. Python Cookbook by David Beazley, Brian K. Jones

Rating: 4.16

Best suited for: Advanced-level programmers

Python Cookbook by David Beazley and Brian K. Jones is for advanced programmers interested in learning about modern tools used for Python development. In the book, the authors explore recipes for topics such as data structures and algorithms, classes and objects, data encoding and processing, concurrency, and metaprogramming. Each recipe topic contains sample code samples you can use in your projects, along with a discussion about the working of the code. If you are looking to write programs in Python 3 or want to update older Python 2 code, you should pick this book. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can You Learn Python as a Beginner?

Python is one of the most beginner-friendly programming languages. Its syntax is similar to English, making it relatively easy to read and understand.

2. Is it Possible to Learn Python From a Book?

Books are a great resource to learn Python programming, provided you study diligently and implement the projects given in them. 

3. Is Python Hard?

Python is considered one of the easiest programming languages to learn thanks to its simple and easy-to-understand syntax. But, if you are a beginner, the concepts of Python can be complex and will take time to understand.  

We hope this guide on the best books on Python will help you pick a book for your skill level. And also become a better Python programmer. Make sure you practice and implement your learnings to improve your skills. If you want to advance your knowledge of Python, check out Emeritus’ wide range of online IT courses from the world’s best universities.