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Fluent Python

Guide to writing clear, idiomatic Python in its second edition

88.5
Score in best programming books
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Ranked 7 of 11 in best programming books

Deep, practical coverage of idiomatic Python, with a second edition and extra online sections. It assumes working Python experience, so it suits developers rather than beginners.

Best for Writing idiomatic Python code

About Fluent Python

The book covers the features and idioms that make Python code concise and readable. Its subtitle, Clear, Concise, and Effective Programming, sets the goal: code that reads naturally and uses the language's built-in tools well. The companion site adds extra sections, which the author lists as new or updated material that did not fit in the second edition.

It is a print book from O'Reilly, and the Open Library record lists 2015 editions of about 790 pages. It suits working developers more than beginners, and it asks more of the reader than the free Python primers in this list. Its depth is the main reason it ranks above them, and its length is the main reason some readers will prefer a shorter text.

Key features

  • Idiomatic Python code
  • Companion site extras
  • Second edition
  • Print from O'Reilly

Strengths

  • Covers Python features in depth
  • Companion site adds extra sections
  • Second edition updates the material

Limits

  • Assumes some Python experience
  • Long, at about 790 pages in 2015 editions

Where Fluent Python ranks

How Fluent Python compares

ProductScorePriceFormatsLevelFree to read onlineLatest editionMain focus
#5Eloquent JavaScript, 4th Edition89.5FreeRead online, PDF, EPUB, Kindle, PrintBeginnerYes4th edition, 2024Programming and JavaScript from first principles
#6Software Engineering at Google89.0FreeRead online, PrintIntermediateYesFirst edition, 2020Engineering practice for large codebases
#7Fluent Python88.5PaidPrintIntermediateNo2nd editionIdiomatic, effective Python code
#8The Rust Programming Language88.0FreeRead onlineBeginnerYesUpdated for Rust 1.97The Rust language and ownership
#9Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code86.5PaidPrintIntermediateNo2nd edition, 2018Improving code design in small, safe steps

The full comparison table for best programming books has all 11 products.

Alternatives to Fluent Python

All 10 alternatives

Questions about Fluent Python

Is Fluent Python free?
Fluent Python is a paid product (paid). Print editions sold by O'Reilly and booksellers.
Which formats is Fluent Python available in?
Fluent Python is offered as Print.
What is Fluent Python best for?
Writing idiomatic Python code. In our ranking of programming books it is number 7 of 11 with a score of 88.5.
What are the best alternatives to Fluent Python?
The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Designing Data-Intensive Applications, The Pragmatic Programmer, 20th Anniversary Edition, Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs, Crafting Interpreters.

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1:11Beginner · 5 min readHow to pick a book worth your timePick a book by the question it must answer, its level, its edition and a sample chapter, before you buy it or read the reviews.

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