I had the privilege of receiving a complimentary copy of Doug Farrell's book, "The Well-Grounded Pythonista," along with the task of providing a review.
It's evident that there's an abundance of technical books on programming being published each year. This isn't a negative trend, as more individuals are embracing programming and development, with many making a transition into these fields or being gently forced to adapt to new technologies that rely on the ability to speak to computers. It seems likely that in the next decade or so, only a small number of highly specialized professions will not demand a fundamental understanding of programming. This foundational knowledge will be crucial even for prominent job opportunities.
Amidst the plethora of books covering topics like system design, programming languages, web and mobile development, data science, and machine learning, it's very easy to become overwhelmed and lose direction. Only a handful of books truly engage the reader, delivering their insights clearly, directly, and in a warm, conversational manner. Doug's book accomplishes precisely that.
Doug Farrell's extensive experience in teaching programming and his substantial industry background transpired from every page of his book. His years of real-life experience and mastery are conveyed through Python, a language known for its illustrative, expressive, and human-readable nature.
"The Well-Grounded Developer" guides readers through a journey aptly named "Fieldwork" and "Groundwork." It introduces essential programming and computer science concepts, sprinkled with practical tips and guidance. It's similar to having a seasoned professional discreetly offering advice over your shoulder. Doug's voice is clear yet not loud.
The book's concise and fun introduction to Object-Oriented Programming is an excellent example of this voice, and the decision to use the Flask framework for web application development, instead of trendier options like FastAPI or more complex ones like Django, is actually the optimal choice given the concepts being introduced and explained. The knowledge and insights gained from this book are transferable across various frameworks, domains, and industries.
The book effectively fulfills the promise it sets forth in the preface: individuals with a basic understanding of Python will get a deeper insight into the Pythonic way of doing things. Meanwhile, those with functional knowledge of other programming languages like JavaScript or Java will find an excellent starting point for embarking on their Python journey. Both groups will receive a balanced dose of practical advice, common-sense insights, and dos and don'ts.
Most importantly, "The Well-Grounded Developer" will rekindle the passion for creating with computers, whether it's igniting or re-igniting that creative spark.
This book is a valuable resource, even for experienced Python professionals who may have momentarily forgotten the joy of bringing an application to life or turning an idea into a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
An excellent book - thank you Doug!