Professional Python

Master the secret tools every Python programmer needs to know

Professional Python goes beyond the basics to teach beginner- and intermediate-level Python programmers the little-known tools and constructs that build concise, maintainable code. Design better architecture and write easy-to-understand code using highly adoptable techniques that result in more robust and efficient applications. Coverage includes Decorators, Context Managers, Magic Methods, Class Factories, Metaclasses, Regular Expressions, and more, including advanced methods for unit testing using asyncio and CLI tools. Each topic includes an explanation of the concept and a discussion on applications, followed by hands-on tutorials based on real-world scenarios. All sample code is available for download from the companion website, and the “Python 3 first” approach covers multiple current versions, while ensuring long-term relevance.

Python offers many tools and techniques for writing better code, but often confusing documentation leaves many programmers in the dark about how to use them. This book shines a light on these incredibly useful methods, giving you clear guidance toward building stronger applications.

• Learn advanced Python functions, classes, and libraries
• Utilize better development and testing tools
• Understand the “what,” “when,” “why,” and “how”
• Download example code to start programming right away

More than just theory or a recipe-style walk-through, this guide helps you learn — and understand — these little-known tools and techniques. You’ll streamline your workflow while improving the quality of your output, producing more robust applications with cleaner code and stronger architecture. If you’re ready to take your Python skills to the next level, Professional Python is the invaluable guide that will get you there.

Table of Contents

Part I: Functions
Chapter 1: Decorators
Chapter 2: Context Managers
Chapter 3: Generators

Part II: Classes
Chapter 4: Magic Methods
Chapter 5: Metaclasses
Chapter 6: Class Factories
Chapter 7: Abstract Base Classes

Part III: Data
Chapter 8: Strings and Unicode
Chapter 9: Regular Expressions
Part IV: Everything Else
Chapter 10: Python 2 Versus Python 3
Chapter 11: Unit Testing
Chapter 12: CLI Tools
Chapter 13: asyncio
Chapter 14: Style