Learn more
These promotions will be applied to this item:
Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Python Pocket Reference: Python In Your Pocket (Pocket Reference (O'Reilly)) 5th Edition, Kindle Edition
Updated for both Python 3.4 and 2.7, this convenient pocket guide is the perfect on-the-job quick reference. Youâ??ll find concise, need-to-know information on Python types and statements, special method names, built-in functions and exceptions, commonly used standard library modules, and other prominent Python tools. The handy index lets you pinpoint exactly what you need.
Written by Mark Lutzâ??widely recognized as the worldâ??s leading Python trainerâ??Python Pocket Reference is an ideal companion to Oâ??Reillyâ??s classic Python tutorials, Learning Python and Programming Python, also written by Mark.
This fifth edition covers:
- Built-in object types, including numbers, lists, dictionaries, and more
- Statements and syntax for creating and processing objects
- Functions and modules for structuring and reusing code
- Pythonâ??s object-oriented programming tools
- Built-in functions, exceptions, and attributes
- Special operator overloading methods
- Widely used standard library modules and extensions
- Command-line options and development tools
- Python idioms and hints
- The Python SQL Database API
- ISBN-13978-1449356958
- Edition5th
- PublisherO'Reilly Media
- Publication dateJanuary 22, 2014
- LanguageEnglish
- File size1.7 MB
See all supported devices
Kindle E-Readers
- Kindle Paperwhite (10th Generation)
- All New Kindle E-reader (11th Generation)
- Kindle Paperwhite (5th Generation)
- Kindle (11th Generation, 2024 Release)
- Kindle Touch
- Kindle Scribe, 1st generation (2024 release)
- Kindle
- Kindle Oasis (9th Generation)
- Kindle Oasis (10th Generation)
- Kindle Oasis
- Kindle Paperwhite
- Kindle Paperwhite (12th Generation)
- All New Kindle E-reader
- Kindle Scribe (1st Generation)
- Kindle Voyage
- Kindle (10th Generation)
- Kindle Paperwhite (11th Generation)
- All new Kindle paperwhite
Fire Tablets
- Fire HD 8 (8th Generation)
- Fire HD 10 (9th Generation)
- Fire HD 10 (11th Generation)
- Fire 7 (12th Generation)
- Fire HD 8 (10th Generation)
- Fire 7 (9th Generation)
- Fire HD 10 Plus
- Fire HD 8 Plus
- Fire HD 8 (12th Generation)
Free Kindle Reading Apps
- Kindle for Android Tablets
- Kindle for Android Phones
- Kindle for iPhone
- Kindle for iPad
- Kindle for PC
- Kindle for Web
- Kindle for Mac
Shop this series
See full series- Kindle Price:$20.92-By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.
- Kindle Price:$35.90-By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.
- Kindle Price:$70.09-By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.
- Kindle Price:$286.55-By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.
Shop this series
This option includes 3 books.
This option includes 5 books.
This option includes 10 books.
This option includes 32 books.
Why can't I get these titles?
Under state law, teens need a parent or guardian to buy or borrow titles. Ask your parent or guardian to acquire these titles for this account from their device. These books will appear in your Kindle library once they do.
Products related to this item
Customers also bought or read
- Python 3: The Comprehensive Guide to Hands-On Python Programming (Rheinwerk Computing)
Kindle Edition$39.72$39.72 - Effective Python: 125 Specific Ways to Write Better Python (Effective Software Development Series)
Kindle Edition$43.11$43.11 - Python Built-In Functions Dictionary: Quick and Detailed Reference for Developers
Kindle Edition$6.99$6.99
From the brand
-
Learn Python
-
Python performace
-
Python for Data Science
-
Sharing the knowledge of experts
O'Reilly's mission is to change the world by sharing the knowledge of innovators. For over 40 years, we've inspired companies and individuals to do new things (and do them better) by providing the skills and understanding that are necessary for success.
Our customers are hungry to build the innovations that propel the world forward. And we help them do just that.
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Mark is the author of the three O’Reilly books: Learning Python, Programming Python, and Python Pocket Reference, all currently in fourth or fifth editions. He has been using and promoting Python since 1992, started writing Python books in 1995, and began teaching Python classes in 1997. As of Spring 2013, Mark has instructed 260 Python training sessions, taught roughly 4,000 students in live classes, and written Python books that have sold 400,000 units and been translated to at least a dozen languages.
Together, his two decades of Python efforts have helped to establish it as one of the most widely used programming languages in the world today. In addition, Mark has been in the software field for 30 years. He holds BS and MS degrees in computer science from the University of Wisconsin where he explored implementations of the Prolog language, and over his career has worked as a professional software developer on compilers, programming tools, scripting applications, and assorted client/server systems.
Mark maintains a training website (http://learning-python.com) and an additional book support site on the Web (http://www.rmi.net/~lutz).
Product details
- ASIN : B00HZ41PGC
- Publisher : O'Reilly Media
- Accessibility : Learn more
- Publication date : January 22, 2014
- Edition : 5th
- Language : English
- File size : 1.7 MB
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Not Enabled
- Print length : 359 pages
- ISBN-13 : 978-1449356958
- Page Flip : Enabled
- Part of series : Pocket Reference (O'Reilly)
- Best Sellers Rank: #354,819 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #6 in Object-Oriented Design
- #22 in Python Programming
- #24 in Object Oriented Design
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors

Mark Lutz is the author of Python's classic and foundational texts, a former trainer with two decades of experience teaching Python to newcomers, and one of the people responsible for the prominence that Python enjoys today. For more info, see the author's books and programming site at learning-python.com.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.
Products related to this item
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Generated from the text of customer reviewsSelect to learn more
Reviews with images
good size
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2023Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseThe Python Pocket Reference is a concise and handy guide that serves as a comprehensive companion for Python programmers. With its compact size and easy-to-navigate format, this reference book offers quick access to essential Python syntax, built-in functions, modules, and other fundamental aspects of the language.
One of the standout features of the Python Pocket Reference is its comprehensive coverage of Python's core features. The book provides a well-organized and condensed overview of Python's syntax, data types, control structures, and object-oriented programming concepts. It serves as a reliable resource for both beginners who are learning Python and experienced developers who need a quick refresher or a reminder of specific language details.
The book also includes an extensive collection of concise code examples that illustrate the usage of various Python constructs. These examples help clarify complex concepts and demonstrate best practices, making it easier for readers to apply the information in their own projects. The clear and concise explanations accompanying the code snippets further enhance understanding.
The Python Pocket Reference offers a quick lookup for built-in functions, standard library modules, and commonly used Python idioms. Its alphabetical index and well-structured organization allow readers to find the information they need swiftly. This makes it a valuable companion for day-to-day programming tasks, as well as for exploring lesser-known language features and modules.
The portability and compact size of the Python Pocket Reference make it convenient for developers on the go. Whether you're working in a coffee shop, attending a coding workshop, or collaborating with colleagues, having this reference at your fingertips allows for quick problem-solving and efficient coding. Its durable construction ensures that it can withstand frequent use and travel.
One aspect to consider is that due to the compact nature of the reference, some topics may lack extensive explanations or in-depth coverage. While it provides concise information, readers looking for more detailed explanations or advanced Python topics may need to consult additional resources. However, as a pocket-sized reference, it strikes a good balance between brevity and coverage.
In conclusion, the Python Pocket Reference is a valuable resource for Python programmers of all skill levels. Its compact size, comprehensive coverage of core language features, and quick-reference format make it an indispensable tool for quick lookups and on-the-spot coding. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced Python developer, having this reference in your pocket allows you to access vital information whenever you need it, making your Python programming journey more efficient and enjoyable.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2025Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseThe content is new enough - take these with me on long trips for the engagement.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2016Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseHelped me get by with python in the beginning.
I actually went and read about two-thirds of the book before I started to use it as a reference book.
Within a couple of weeks, I was writing code to throw API calls to a web service to integrate some data between an ERP system.
Python is actually a really awesome language. I mostly use it for small server-side projects, and this book will provide the information you need for that. For GUI type applications, you will have to find other reference. There are some good tutorials on YouTube to get you up and going... try searching for wxPython or TkInter tutorials.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2025Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseWorks very well as a pocket reference.
As well as some other reviewers, I come from a Perl background and had to adapt to Python in a hurry. I found myself asking time and again "what's that method name again?". Ordering a hard copy book from Amazon to overseas turn out to be easier that searching through docs.python.org. I'm happy with the book.
Maybe the book has improvement room in both style and organization, but it's still a great pocket reference. Another reviewer that recommends the post-it tweak is right on the money!
My most serious complain is that, being a newcomer to Python, all the 2.X/3.4 variations content in the book feels like dead weight.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2022Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseI believe this book is free in PDF format (Do a google search). But the paper copy is nice to throw in your backpack or have at your computer when you want to check a syntax or concept point in Python. It's a nice, compact review/cheat sheet. I would buy this again.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2024Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseI love the pocket books from O'Reilly. This one doesn't disappoint. If you've used any of the O'Rielly pocket books before and have been thinking about this one, just do it. SO easy to quickly look up info and maybe dog ear a couple pages for methods or functions.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2019Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseI have used this book sparingly over the past 6 months, and I code as a hobby not a living. It has a lot of useful information regarding the Python language including pointing out differences between versions 3.4 and 2.7. The book is written for someone who has an in-depth knowledge of computer science, and although I have a degree in such a field, I have only started using Python upon buying this book so some terms were difficult to understand even for me. As the title of the book states, it is a reference, not something to be read in the evening.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2016Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseI'm learning Python but I already program in a few languages, so I wasn't sure I needed the big "Intro to this Language in great Detail!" book. I ordered this one instead and it's become my constant companion on my Python journey. It's exactly what I wanted when I need to look up the syntax or function I know exists but don't know exactly how to format in this new language. I'm learning python to play with the Raspberry Pi, not for any professional reasons, so YMMV.
I can't rave about this pocket reference enough. It's the greatest. I've been through quite a few, even other O'Reilly pocket references, and while they've all been helpful to some extent, I was never able to teach myself an entire language from a pocket reference. I don't think that's a thing that would work if you've never programmed before, but if you're already a programmer and you've just decided to add Python to your repertoire, skip the big book and stick this one in your desk drawer instead. Between it and google you'll be fine.
Top reviews from other countries
LionelReviewed in the United Arab Emirates on December 24, 20204.0 out of 5 stars Perfect reference book. no unnecessary speech
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseI'm an experienced developer but new to Python. This book is a good quick reference guide that complete perfectly Learning Python from same author
-
geraud guibertReviewed in France on October 2, 20155.0 out of 5 stars livre de poche
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchaseun petit livre de la serie des indispensables de la collection des o'reilly
bref, toujours un objet pratique et concis
Gagan SReviewed in India on June 29, 20164.0 out of 5 stars Nice book, but a bit costly
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseA bit costly since the book is imported. Can be very handy when you don't have access to Internet. Also, it can help you refresh your memory since it covers various topics concisely.
O'BrianReviewed in the United Kingdom on July 23, 20205.0 out of 5 stars Good pocket guide
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseGood pocket guide, it does not cover everything so you will still need to use good ole Google. But is a good guide worth having.
Michel S.Reviewed in Canada on December 5, 20185.0 out of 5 stars Handy reference that saves time
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseGreat pocket guide , with time being of essence nowadays, it is faster for me to grab this book amd find a needed reference than googling it , especially when designing a logic amd you are away from your screen









































