Jason C. McDonald is a software engineer, manager, speaker, and author of both fiction and nonfiction. You can usually find him haunting his local coffee shops.

"An invaluable resource for those looking to learn the fundamentals of the Python programming language. . . . Dead Simple Python is an ideal choice for Python beginners who want to quickly advance from the bare basics to production-level coding."—Ben Lutkevich, TechTarget"Definitely a book that any Python programmer NEEDS to have on [their] bookshelf!"—Full Circle Magazine"Dead Simple Python is a must-have resource for anyone looking to master Python in a fast, efficient, and enjoyable manner. Jason C. McDonald's expertise, coupled with his clear and concise writing style, makes this book an invaluable addition to any programmer's library. Whether you're looking to build your first Python application or deepen your understanding of the language's intricacies, [this book] is sure to become an indispensable companion on your programming journey." —The Security Noob"Makes a good starting point for those contemplating a serious Python effort and who need to start with the basics."—Lee Teschler, Microcontroller Tips"The book that anyone who wants to become an expert Python programmer should read. . . . I don't believe that anyone who works through the material in this book will fail to become a competent and confident Python coder. It is quite a fantastic book."—Sandra Henry-Stocker, NetworkWorld"Reasonably paced and clear. . . . I expect that I’ll refer to the book the next time I start a small Python project."—Paul Floyd, ACCU"I especially enjoyed the practical approach to getting started with developing code using tools like virtual environments. It's a hefty book coming in at almost 700 pages but definitely worth adding to your library."—Paul Ferrill, freelancer for a variety of magazines and websites

• IntroductionPart 1: The Python EnvironmentChapter 1: The Python PhilosophyChapter 2: Your WorkbenchChapter 3: Syntax Crash CourseChapter 4: Project Structure and ImportsPart 2: Essential StructuresChapter 5: Variables and TypesChapter 6: Functions and LambdasChapter 7: Objects and ClassesChapter 8: Errors and ExceptionsPart 3: Data and FlowChapter 9: Collections and IterationChapter 10: Generators and ComprehensionsChapter 11: Text IO and Context ManagersChapter 12: Binary and SerializationPart 4: Advanced ConceptsChapter 13: Inheritance and MixinsChapter 14: Metaclasses and ABCsChapter 15: Inspection and GenericsChapter 16: Asynchrony and ConcurrencyChapter 17: Threading and ParallelismPart 5: Beyond the CodeChapter 18: Packaging and DistributionChapter 19: Debugging and AnalysisChapter 20: Testing and ProfilingChapter 21: The Parting of the WaysAppendix A: Special Attributes and MethodsAppendix B: Python Debugger (pdb) CommandsGlossary