Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, 2nd Edition

Al Sweigart is a professional software developer who teaches programming to kids and adults. Sweigart has written several bestselling programming books for beginners, including Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, Invent Your Own Computer Games with Python, Cracking Codes with Python, and Coding with Minecraft (all from No Starch Press).

"With lessons on how to use Python to program Excel spreadsheets, crawl websites, parse PDFs and Word documents, send emails, and other productivity-boosting task automation, it's a stellar resource for office workers, academics, and administrators."—Mashable"I think many educational resources jump levels way too quickly. One of the best I ever used was Automate the Boring Stuff with Python - that book stayed at the right level the whole way!"—Oscar Baruffa, @OscarBaruffaPraise for the first edition of Automate the Boring Stuff with Python:"The best part of programming is the triumph of seeing the machine do something useful. Automate the Boring Stuff with Python frames all of programming as these small triumphs; it makes the boring fun.”—Hilary Mason, Founder of Fast Forward Labs and Data Scientist in Residence at Accel “Do you need Automate the Boring Stuff with Python? Yes, if you want to enhance your workflow by using automation, this is an excellent place to start. Highly recommended.”—Network World  “Valuable to have on your shelf...an extremely useful book.”—Kids, Code, and Computer Science Magazine  "Automate the Boring Stuff with Python is perfect for anyone who has menial tasks they don't want to spend hours doing."—GeekMom"Whether you prefer working through a book, or learning by watching, or both together, Automate the Boring Stuff will have you productive in Python in no time." —Serdar Yegulalp, InfoWorld"If you seriously want to know how much Python helps with automation, my favorite place is the Automate Boring Stuff with Python book, a simply awesome book." —Javin Paul, Hacker Noon"This is certainly a much more engaging way to learn Python . . . it gets you all excited by the prospect of making cool little programs that will save you time."—Andrew Lau, AndrewLauActuary.com"I've found both the book and Udemy course of Automate the Boring Stuff with Python by Al Sweigart to be really helpful."—Mark S, @Awful_Curious"Best Python book you can buy today."—Rodrigo Ribeiro, @mcapablanca

• AcknowledgmentsIntroductionPart I: Python Programming BasicsChapter 1: Python BasicsChapter 2: Flow ControlChapter 3: FunctionsChapter 4: ListsChapter 5: Dictionaries and Structuring DataChapter 6: Manipulating StringsPart II: Automating TasksChapter 7: Pattern Matching with Regular ExpressionsChapter 8: Input ValidationChapter 9: Reading and Writing FilesChapter 10: Organizing FilesChapter 11: DebuggingChapter 12: Web ScrapingChapter 13: Working with Excel SpreadsheetsChapter 14: Working with Google SheetsChapter 15: Working with PDF and Word DocumentsChapter 16: Working with CSV Files and JSON DataChapter 17: Keeping Time, Scheduling Tasks, and Launching ProgramsChapter 18: Sending Email and Text MessagesChapter 19: Manipulating ImagesChapter 20: Controlling the Keyboard and Mouse with GUI AutomationAppendix A: Installing Third-Party ModulesAppendix B: Running ProgramsAppendix C: Answers to the Practice Questions