######################### Building Skills in Python ######################### :date: 2007-12-17 15:38:23 :category: `Building Skills `_ Since I spend a lot of time on skill upgrades for my clients, my books are oriented around that theme.  It's something that I learned from `Jim Bullock `__ : there's a :strong:`Clue Absorption Rate`, and you can't exceed that rate.  These books are about building skills incrementally. I've got three Python-related titles.  [Links are on the right, under "Publications".] 1.  :strong:`Building Skills in Programming`.  This is for n00bs, and covers very basic topics.  This is an introduction to computers and programming; it leverages Python to help someone get their hands dirty making computers do stuff. 2.  :strong:`Building Skills in Python`.  If you've got a language or two under your belt, this will help you learn Python.  It covers every language feature, most of the built-in classes and some of the library.  It's 385 pages: it covers a lot of ground.  It's packed full of exercises and examples.   3.  :strong:`Building Skills in OO Design`.  This has both Python and Java examples, and moves from language skills to more serious design skills.  This is somewhat more ambitious because it directs the reader through construction of a fairly sophisticated application program, and covers debugging, testing and rework issues. These are provided with a `Creative Commons by-nc-nd `__ license.  Feel free to download and use the text.  You must give me credit, you can't create a commercial offering, nor can you create a derivative work.  However, if you want to create courseware, contact me, I have a lot of material, we can work something out.   If you want to comment or correct this, please do; I'm open to suggestions. :strong:`Plans` I've got to upgrade both Python books to Python 2.5.   Start on database design, since that's a skill that I coach fairly often. Resolve the FOP embedded font problem.