Automate the Boring Stuff with Python
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...
Score based on developer article recommendations — not sales data or reviews.
🟢 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.
🔄 Compare & Reading Path
📊 Why Developers Recommend
It provides a structured learning path for the language.
Cited by 7 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.
💬 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
👤 Who Should Read This
Best for
- • Career changers transitioning into software engineering
- • Developers who want to write better code
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Al Sweigart
Mentioned in 7 articles · #109 overall
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Score Trend
Last 90 Days
Articles
3
vs prev 90d
+1
All Time
Unique authors
7
Total mentions
7