Product guide

Python Pocket Reference: Python In Your Pocket, 5th Edition

Your Edition: Python Pocket Reference is a concise lookup guide for Python 3.4 and 2.7, covering core language elements, standard library modules, development tools and the Python SQL Database API. Its reference-first approach is aimed at readers who want quick answers alongside other learning materials, rather than extensive instruction on every topic.

At a glance

Designed as a concise on-the-job reference with an index for locating topics.
Covers Python types, statements, functions, exceptions, object-oriented tools and commonly used standard library modules.
Includes command-line and development tools, Python idioms and the Python SQL Database API.
The listing identifies this as the fifth edition and states Python 3.4 and 2.7 coverage.

Price

$29.65Save 17%

Reference price: ~~$35.65~~

Price checked: Nov 13, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

Broad reference scope spans language basics, built-ins, standard library topics and development tools.
The compact-reference format and index are suited to looking up a specific topic while working.
Includes material on the Python SQL Database API, which is not limited to core syntax.

Cons

Its concise treatment is not designed to provide extensive explanations for every subject.
The stated version coverage is Python 3.4 and 2.7, so buyers seeking a guide explicitly aligned to later Python versions should account for that.

Technical specifications

11 specifications

Publication details
Edition	5th
Publisher	O'Reilly Media
Publication date	March 11 2014
Language	English
Print length	262 pages
ISBN-10	1449357016
ISBN-13	978-1449357016

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	1.05 kg
Dimensions	10.8 x 1.27 x 17.78 cm

Topics covered
Python versions stated	Updated for both Python 3.4 and 2.7
Coverage	Built-in object types, including numbers, lists, dictionaries, and more Statements and syntax for creating and processing objects Functions and modules for structuring and reusing code Pythonâ??s object-oriented programming tools Built-in functions, exceptions, and attributes Special operator overloading methods Widely used standard library modules and extensions Command-line options and development tools Python idioms and hints The Python SQL Database API

What to know before buying

Listing details to confirm

The version coverage is explicitly stated as Python 3.4 and 2.7. Customer feedback is mixed on how comprehensive the coverage is and whether the book works well for beginners, so treat it as a quick reference rather than a complete course. The listing also gives a weight of 1.05 kg despite describing a pocket guide, so confirm the physical details if portability is important.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Python users seeking a concise lookup companion for language features, built-ins and selected standard-library topics.
Readers who already have tutorials or other learning material and want a reference for quick topic checks.
Programmers working with material that matches the stated Python 3.4 or 2.7 coverage.

Less suited to

Beginners looking for a self-contained, step-by-step programming course.
Readers who need a reference explicitly updated for Python versions later than those listed.

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.5 / 5 · 1,001 ratings

5 stars69%69%
4 stars21%21%
3 stars6%6%
2 stars2%2%
1 star2%2%

Customer feedback describes the book as a handy, concise reference and praises its content. Opinions are mixed on depth, completeness, beginner suitability and value. For buyers seeking quick lookups across the book’s stated Python 3.4 and 2.7 topics, that concise approach may fit, while readers wanting full explanations or a complete learning path may find the coverage limited. Aggregate ratings lean positive overall, but do not resolve those differences in use.

Positive themes

Readers describe it as a handy pocket reference and appreciate its concise content.
Some readers praise its clear explanations and code snippets.

Negative themes

Some readers say explanations are not extensive enough and that the book does not cover everything.
Some readers consider it unsuitable for beginners or question its value.

Mixed feedback

Readers disagree about comprehensiveness, beginner suitability, content coverage and value for money.

Frequently asked questions

Which Python versions does this edition cover?

The listing says it is updated for Python 3.4 and 2.7. It does not claim coverage for later versions.

Is this book suitable for someone learning Python from scratch?

It may help with lookups, but customer feedback is divided on beginner suitability and the book is described as concise. It is better considered a companion reference than a step-by-step course.

What topics are included?

The stated scope includes built-in types, syntax and statements, functions and modules, object-oriented tools, exceptions, standard-library modules, command-line and development tools, idioms and the Python SQL Database API.