The book lives up to its ambitious title—you really can grasp the fundamentals in a day. Don’t expect to become a Python guru overnight, but you’ll definitely understand the basics and be able to write simple programs by the time you finish.
What makes this book stand out is its practical approach. Instead of bombarding you with theory, Chan walks you through hands-on projects that reinforce concepts as you learn them. The writing style is conversational and approachable—like having a patient friend guide you through your first coding steps.
This second edition is particularly good for absolute beginners. The author assumes no prior programming knowledge and explains concepts like variables, loops, and functions in plain English. The book’s structure is logical, building your knowledge piece by piece without overwhelming you.
Is it really possible to learn Python in one day? If you dedicate a full day to it and follow along with the exercises, you’ll be surprised how much ground you can cover. The hands-on project at the end ties everything together nicely and gives you a tangible accomplishment to show for your efforts.
Where this book shines is cutting through the noise. At just 174 pages, it’s focused on what you actually need to know to get started, not padding or advanced concepts you can learn later. Ideal if you’re time-constrained or easily intimidated by massive programming tomes.
With over 2,000 positive reviews, I’m clearly not alone in appreciating this approach. If you’re a beginner looking to start coding in Python with minimal fuss and maximum results, this book deserves a spot on your shelf (or in your Kindle).
