- This tutorial offers readers a thorough introduction to programming in Python 2.4, the portable, interpreted, object-oriented programming language that combines power with clear syntax
- Beginning programmers will quickly learn to develop robust, reliable, and reusable Python applications for Web development, scientific applications, and system tasks for users or administrators
- Discusses the basics of installing Python as well as the new features of Python release 2.4, which make it easier for users to create scientific and Web applications
- Features examples of various operating systems throughout the book, including Linux, Mac OS X/BSD, and Windows XP

Chapter 1: Programming Basics and Strings.
Chapter 2: Numbers and Operators.
Chapter 3: Variables—Names for Values.
Chapter 4: Making Decisions.
Chapter 5: Functions.
Chapter 6: Classes and Objects.
Chapter 7: Organizing Programs.
Chapter 8: Files and Directories.
Chapter 9: Other Features of the Language.
Chapter 10: Building a Module.
Chapter 11: Text Processing.
Chapter 12: Testing.
Chapter 13: Writing a GUI with Python.
Chapter 14: Accessing Databases.
Chapter 15: Using Python for XML.
Chapter 16: Network Programming.
Chapter 17: Extension Programming with C.
Chapter 18: Writing Shareware and Commercial Programs.
Chapter 19: Numerical Programming.
Chapter 20: Python in the Enterprise.
Chapter 21: Web Applications and Web Services.
Chapter 22: Integrating Java with Python.

Appendix A: Answers to Exercises.
Appendix B: Online Resources.
Appendix C: What’s New in Python 2.4.
Glossary.
Index.