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how to use this book

Who is this book for?

If you can answer “yes” to all of these:

1 Do you wish you had the know-how to control your
computer and make it do new things?
far-fetched. But, you gotta
2 Do you want to learn how to program, so you can create OK, maybe that one’s a little
the next big thing in software, make a small fortune, and
retire to your own private island? start somewhere, right?

3 Do you prefer actually doing things and applying the stuff
you learn over listening to someone in a lecture rattle on
for hours on end?

this book is for you.

Who should probably back away from this book?

If you can answer “yes” to any of these:

1 Are you a seasoned programmer? Do you already know
how to program?

2 Are you looking for a quick introduction or reference book
to Python?

3 Would you rather have your toenails pulled out by 15
screaming monkeys than learn something new? Do you
believe a programming book should cover everything and
if it bores the reader to tears in the process then so much
the better?

this book is not for you.

[Note from marketing: this book
is for anyone with a credit card...
we’ll accept a check, too.]

xxiv intro