Book Review #9

Learning Python
Mark Lulz

I'm trying to learn Python as part of my Raspberry Pi experience. O'Reilly has been a great source of learning in the past, and I do not see any reason to stop. I bought, sight unseen, three books: Learning Python, Programming Python, and Python Pocket Reference. All by Mark Lulz.

The content of Learning Python is comprehensive, informative, and extremely thorough. Worthy of any O'Reilly book. Unfortunately, I find the later section to be boring, and I was nodding my head off. The author, to his credit, understand this and wrote that the latter section is part of the advance section that only the most dedicated users will want to touch. He also helpfully highlights parts of the language that, at first sight, looks niche, but actually are used rather often. So, that is very helpful when you want to prioritize in learning the language.

The book is a tutorial book. The author provides plenty of explanations of how things work. Sometimes, I feel like there's too much information, but unlike fluffy padded books, I can't remove materials without sacrificing information. Therefore, I can say that the book is worth the number of pages it contained. There's only one complain. The book is 1500 pages long!

Don't you think that, maybe, it's better to split this tome into 3 books, instead? ^_^;

Another gripe, is that I think that the author is trying hard to position Python as "the better Perl". In that, it has all the Perl advantages, without the disadvantages. I'm afraid that's a common opinion, although I do not share it. One of the complain was that it's easier to write Perl from scratch than to read it. I take it as Perl is so easy to write, rather than Perl is hard to read. Another thing is that, taken in full context, Python is full of special cases that differs by little, each to its particular purpose. I keep thinking, "you mean you prefer this to Perl?"

Of course, it should be obvious by now, that I do not think much of Python. In fact, all of Perl's criticism can be easily levied to Python just as well. I never did find reading Python script easier than any other language. It's the programmer, not the language. In fact, at the end of the book, where the advanced section lies, the author warned the readers to use the knowledge judiciously, knowing that if the features are misused, it can lead away from Python's philosophy. You know what? Apply the same advice to Perl, and you'll get the same result!

So, now that I learned Python, I'm afraid to say that I am not a convert. However, as far as learning Python goes, this is the gold standard. I have yet to see any treatment that is more sophisticated, comprehensive, accessible than this tome. Just, please, split it into 3 books. My hands got cramped just holding it up. ;)
Highly recommended.

Book Review #7

Make: Electronics
Charles Platt

This is an excellent book to learn Electronic. By the first chapter, I have learned to lick a battery, blow up a led, and other destructive, yet fun thing to do. I never thought learning electronic circuits can be so much fun! Although the content of the book is nothing special, the presentation is fun, engaging, and clear. I mean, in all electronic books, there is a lesson on how resistors work, how capacitors work, how transistor work. The explanation may not be the most concise available, but they are clear and easy-to-follow. That is the most important thing.

Along the way, I learned not only what different pieces of electronics do, and what tools would be valuable, but also what tools are optional. Breadboard, for one, which I thought was indispensable for trying out electronic circuitry, is actually an optional equipment. You can get by with just using wires and clips all over the place. The book does not mention conductive ink, but it is something I should try sometime in the future.

For the first time in my life, I feel like I truly understand what's going on behind the scene. That is a worthwhile experience, easily worth more than the purchase of the book. Highly recommended.

Book Review #6

The Linux Command Line
William E. Shotts, Jr

I've been looking for a good shell scripting book when I chance upon this book. Reading the book gives me a good understanding, not only in scripting capabilities, but also the standard Linux shell programs. Things like lp, cat, grep, and sed are explored in details. I have come to the understanding that, in fact, I need this book more than anything. In my work with Raspberry Pi, I am dealing with Linux command line every day. I'm happy to say that I have written a few significant shell scripts that do not rely on powerful scripting language such as Perl or Python. Although the resulting scripts run slower, I don't mind at all. It's the learning process that matters.

In regard to Raspberry Pi, it is a great enabler device. However, I am with the opinion that a great enabler device by itself is not enough. I have numerous books about making this project or that project with Raspberry Pi. However, in the process of making the project, I have often come into the stumbling blocks of every day occurence. How do I format SD card? How to disable the screensaver? And so on. This book not only explains all the tools you need in order to navigate the Linux shell, but also gives you the powerful bash scripting technique that you can use to whip up a quick script leveraging the various Linux shell programs.

This is just my opinion, but I think this book is a must have for all Raspberry Pi users, if not all Linux users. Highly Recommended.