Automate the Boring Stuff with Python

Name: Automate the Boring Stuff with Python
Author: Al Sweigart

Al Sweigart

Learn how to code while you write programs that effortlessly perform useful feats of automation! The second edition of this international fan favorite includes a brand-new chapter on input validation, Gmail and Google Sheets automations, tips for...

16.6 score

#117 overall

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Score based on developer article recommendations — not sales data or reviews.

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🟢 Developer Verdict

A practical, beginner-friendly introduction to Python programming, focusing on automating real-world, repetitive tasks.

Read this if

✓ You are new to Python and want a practical starting point.
✓ You want to automate repetitive tasks like data entry or file management.
✓ You need to automate interactions with Gmail or Google Sheets.

Skip this for now if

✗ You seek deep theoretical computer science concepts.
✗ You are an experienced Python developer seeking advanced topics.
✗ You want to build web applications or machine learning models.

Developer signal: Overwhelming Consensus · 100% 6 analyzed mentions Beginner FriendlyPractical

🔄 Compare & Reading Path

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📊 Why Developers Recommend

It provides a structured learning path for the language.

Cited by 6 different developers, each bringing their own experience and perspective.

Valued as an accessible entry point for newcomers, building confidence through clear explanations and gradual progression.

Top signals: Beginner FriendlyPractical

💬 What Developers Say

"which is just awesome and If you are looking for a book to get started learning python, I would recommend you to go through this book."
— jamesshah · The Classic TicTacToe Game in Python · Nov 14, 2019

"Recommended: Automate the Boring Stuff with Python -- still the best intro to practical automation."
— maquankun · How I Automated My Entire Dev Workflow with Python (15 Hours Saved Per Week) · Mar 27, 2026

"You'll learn how to write programs that take minutes to complete what normally would take hours by hand."
— karaluton · Beginner Python Resources Recommended by the Tech Community · Jul 12, 2019

Based on 6 developer article mentions