Learning Python: Powerful Object-Oriented Programming, 6th Edition

Python is approachable at the beginning, but its objects, syntax, and programming styles reward a closer look. Learning Python takes that deeper route: Mark Lutz builds from the language’s fundamentals toward the structures and features used in substantial Python code, with explanations, examples, quizzes, and exercises along the way. 💻

Start with the language’s building blocks

The early sections introduce Python’s execution model and ways to run programs, then explore numbers, strings, lists, dictionaries, tuples, files, and dynamic typing. Rather than treating these as disconnected features, the book shows how objects and operations fit into Python’s broader way of working.

Move from statements to reusable programs

As the material progresses, readers encounter assignments, selections, loops, functions, generators, modules, and packages. This sequence helps connect small expressions and language rules to the organization of larger programs. Coverage of exceptions and development tools adds a practical dimension to writing more robust code.

Explore classes and advanced features

The sixth edition gives substantial attention to object-oriented programming, including classes, inheritance, composition, and operator overloading. Later chapters take up Unicode and byte strings, managed attributes, decorators, and metaclasses—topics that help explain how Python’s object model can be customized and extended.

A substantial, self-paced study

Quizzes, answers, and exercises at the ends of sections and parts give readers opportunities to review concepts and put them into practice. The book covers Python 3.12 and ranges from introductory material to advanced language topics, making it a detailed study for newcomers and a reference-minded read for programmers already familiar with another language.

If you want to understand not only how to write Python, but also how its objects and language features work together, this edition offers a thorough path through the subject.