HTML book version available

I finally figured out the problems I have been having with LaTeX; it wasn't properly exporting my book to HTML and I haven't had time to mess with it since I moved to Japan. However, I finally fixed the issue and so now an HTML version of my book is available for those who prefer that format.

I'm working on the second version of this book, making editing changes, revising sections, adding new information; in general, trying to make it better than it currently is. When completed (no ETA on that) I plan on publishing it more ebook versions, along with a physical book.a

Published versions coming soon

I have found two publishing companies, one for ebooks and one for physical books, that will allow me to formally publish my books. I thought about publishing my current book but realized, with the 2nd edition being created now, I might as well wait for it to be done and simply publish that.

So, when the next edition is done, I will publish it for those people who want to purchase a version that isn't just a PDF.

2nd Edition in progress

I really wanted to have a revised version of my book available by now but my job prevents me from working on it. Being in the Navy, and deployed for several months, means I don't have a lot of off time to work on it. Though I have some free time during watch, I'm not allowed to bring my laptop into the shop so I can't work on it that way.

Thankfully, when I do have time to work on it, there isn't that much that needs to be modified/updated. The main thing is adding more information about Python 3. Since Python 3 has been out for a year now, it's more mainstream. I may actually rewrite the book to showcase Python 3 and just add a chapter talking about Python 2.x. I figure most people will be using Python 3 but some *nix distributions are still using the older versions of Python, so it's good to know what the differences are.

So, when I get a chance, the next edition will be posted to a web link and torrent sites, like the current edition.

Ebook direct file link available

I finally had a chance to upload the book to a file hosting site. Now, visitors can download the ebook (with supporting source code files) directly, without having to mess around with torrent files.

The link to the .zip file is on the left side of this page, or you can use this direct link. I am working on creating other formats, e.g. ODF, HTML, etc. but my LaTeX software doesn't want to convert correctly.

However, I'm also going to work on a revision to this book so I might just hold off on the file conversions until I have the latest revision completed. Most people seem to prefer PDF files for ebooks anyways, so I don't expect the lack of version to be a big issues.

If you have a file preference you would like to see, post in the comments and I will see what I can do. Thanks.

Still trying to get settled

I apologize for not having a download site available; I know how frustrating it can be when only one format is available, especially if you have to find the torrent for it. Having a link to a downloadable file is simply a very nice thing to have.

However, my new command doesn't give me a lot of time off. Actually, I was out to sea for a month within 3 days of moving into my house. I've been in my house a total of 6 days in the last 7 weeks. So, that's why I haven't had a chance to create a download site for the book.

Additionally, I want to rewrite some of the book. Python 3 has been out for nearly a year and I expect most people have upgraded the default Python loads on *nix OSes. So I don't see a real reason to retain the "backwards compatible" information in the book.

I still plan on writing up the "sequel" to the book: GUI programming. I would take my laptop underway with me but I normally work 14-16 hour days at sea so I don't have any time to write.

In a nutshell, the download site, updated book, and GUI programming book will be completed when I get a chance. In the meantime, continue to download the torrent file and let me know what you think.

Stability coming soon

I arrived in Japan a few weeks ago and will finally be moving into an actual house (well, apartment really) this week. I've been staying in a hotel since I arrived, which is why I haven't had a chance to make any significant additions to the book distribution.

Once I get settled, I plan on creating a web page so people who don't want to bother with Bittorrent can download the book directly. Plus, it will let me create different versions of the book, such as the standard PDF, HTML, ODF, DOC, etc.

If there is a particular format you would like, post it in the comments and I will see what I can do.

I will also be looking at setting up a print-on-demand service for those readers who would like to buy a print version of the book. More to follow.

Revised draft available

I have updated the torrent file that is current available. It was brought to my attention there were many errors when the sample programs were ran, and some confusion within the book itself.

I have changed the included sample programs so both Python 2.x and Python 3 versions are available. I have also modified Chapter 4 of the book to explain that Python 2.x is used for all the examples within the book. Hopefully this will reduce reader confusion.

If you find any problems or have suggestions, please let me know.

Thanks.

Torrent file available

I have posted the book to The Pirate Bay as a torrent file (the most recent torrent can always be found in the sidebar on the left). I have not yet uploaded it to a web site; I am moving to Japan and simply don't have the time to make a site.

Since Blogger doesn't allow normal file uploads, the only alternative is to try and find a file hosting system or make a web site. I think web site would be more appropriate. I'm also waiting for editoral review of the book before posting the final version.

So, if you want to view the final draft, grab the torrent. Otherwise it will be a few weeks before I will be able to post the book to the web; I will look into a file hosting service in the meantime.

Nearly done editing

I only have a few more chapters to go, then I will post a "final" version of the book. I will be sending copies to several people before I actually post it so they can give their inputs on it; if you are interested, leave a comment and I will include you in the distribution.

I have decided to separate the core language from the GUI side, so I will be writing a separate book expressly about GUI programming. I have most of the rough draft done with that but I don't know when I will get a chance to write it (I'm moving overseas and probably won't have much time for a while).

I expect to have the book on this site by summer, so just keep waiting a little longer. I'm also going to see about getting it published and available for retail purchase. No guarantees but it will be interesting to see what happens.

Editing book

Just wanted to let everyone know that I haven't made any updates lately (nor will I in the near future) because I am currently editing and converting the book to PDF.

I imported the RTF files into LyX (a LaTeX front-end) and I'm using the "book" template to convert it to PDF. This way, if you decide to print it out, it will be formatted as a book, i.e. Table of Contents, page numbers, etc.

Using LaTeX reduces the amount of extra work I have to do since it handles a lot of the formatting on it's own. It's taking a little longer than I originally expected, though, because I'm editing it as I format it.

Once I have this conversion done, I will add a few chapters to the Appendix showing code samples and suggested practice problems, plus listings of the various methods, functions, and other good bits of reference material. Then I will "publish" it on this blog for everyone to download.

I plan on extending it when I get a chance to include the GUI tutorials I wrote. Hopefully it will be one of the more comprehensive "intro to programming" books available.

Final chapter for the "core" book

I have just completed the initial draft for the last chapter of the core book (the basic parts of programming and the Python language). I will work on the sections talking about GUI development and the appendixes as time permits. The new chapter can be found at my Google Docs site and via the sidebar on the left.

New draft chapter - Distributing Your Program

I finally got a chance to write the next chapter for the book: Distributing Your Program. As usual, you can find it on the links to the left or click the link above. I will be updating the Google Docs as I finalize the drafts so use the sidebar links to get the latest version.

Lack of updates

Once again, I want to apologize for not posting the new chapters. I only have 2 more chapters to add until the core book is complete but the Navy hasn't made it easy on me lately. I will be moving to Japan in a few months but first I have to go to a school, so I have been preparing for all of the changes that will be happening.

I plan on completing the core section ASAP, especially since there isn't very much left to talk about. Hopefully it will be done before I move.