Book Review: Python In A Nutshell, Alex Martelli

This desktop quick reference is divided into two seven chapters across five logical parts. The first part gives the introduction to the various facets of Python language,the second part describes the core Python language and built-ins,the third part delves into the python library and extension modules, the fourth explains the possible uses of Python in Network and Web Programming and the last part tackles the topics related to extending and embedding the various possibilities of Python.

The book begins with the beginning, i.e. installing the appropriate python implementation i.e. classical python called the CPython, JVM compliant Python implementation called the Jython and lastly the IronPython which is the Python implementation for the Microsoft-designed Common Language Runtime, commonly known as .NET. Most of the beginning resources related to Python as pointed out in this book are available under GPL or similar licenses. There is discussion of the control structures and most of the constructs that are used in Python. The syntax and definitions of the functions are listed out separately as and when required. There is some very comprehensive discussion on internationalization applications using Python.

For those using the database features of Python there is an entire chapter devoted to the topic. There is some discussion of the interfacing possibilities with the relational databases such as ODBC, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, DB/2, MySQL, etc. Then there is the reference to the gadfly which is a complete RDBMS engine written in Python itself and SQLite which is similar to Gadfly but written in C language. There are some useful tips given for testing, and optimizing the Python code for the time and I/O using the appropriate modules and functions. One of the most interesting parts of this book is the Network and Web Programming section where the modules such as urlparse,urlsplit,etc. and functions such as build_opener, install_opener, etc. For the HTTP and FTP protocols, there is the discussion on httplib Module and ftplib module. There is also the advanced topic of writing Event-Driven Socket Programs in this book. Then there is the discussion of use of Python for coding CGI scripts. There is reference material for Python related important third party extensions and information about extending Python to define new types, etc. and embedding in HTML, XHTML, etc.

The presentation of the subject matter indeed brings to light the "nutshell" containing the discussion of Python in a fast paced and tightly written book. The usage of the book would seem to be more popular as a sort of FAQ for the very high level language called Python. This book will complement the other extensive documentation that can be seen on the desks of Python programmers' whether novice, expert or professionals.