Learning Python

[AZ Pete]

Hi All,

I'm interested in learning Python and thought I'd ask the PLUG brain trust on some recommendations for books.

My main interest in learning Python is more for data analysis (Statistics, AI, etc), not web programming. I'm a SQL Server DBA/Developer and recent versions of SQL Server have the ability to run Python within the database engine as another avenue for data analysis. I'm also interested in moving toward more data analysis/BI roles and Python fits the bill quite well. I have 20 years of DBA experience, so I don't necessarily need beginner level programming books. But having said that, I have no experience with Python at all.

I've found countless video tutorials on Python (Pluralsight, EdX, Coursera, etc.), but I still prefer book learning, especially books that teach a concept and then give you "homework" assignments to practice.

Any recommendation on Python books for programming (not website stuff, though) would be very much appreciated.
Also, recommendations for an IDE on Windows would be appreciated. I already use VS Code for Powershell development, so maybe that will be ok for Python?

Thanks,
Peter


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