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This document describes some of the changes I am planning for the second edition of Think Python, which I am posting here for public comment.

  1. Update for compliance with Python 2/3. I will revise all code and examples to work with both Python 2 and 3. In chapter 1 I will discuss the status of 2/3 and present from __future__ import print_function. Then I will use print function syntax throughout. There are only a few other differences between 2 and 3 that come up, and they are already discussed in the first edition.

  2. In the first chapter I will provide instructions for getting started with Python in a browser, so beginners can get started without dealing with installation problems.

  3. In a later chapter I will provide instructions for transitioning to a local Python IDE, probably IDLE. Again, the goal is to minimize frustration for people who are not comfortable installing things.

  4. In Chapter 4 I present a case study based on turtle graphics using Swampy, a package I wrote and maintain. I am considering replacing Swampy with the turtle module that comes with Python, again because installing Swampy seems to be a major pain point for beginners.

  5. Chapter 19 is a case study using Swampy and Tkinter. I am considering removing this case study, for two reasons: (a) again, installing Swampy is a problem, and (b) my impression is that this chapter is not widely read or used.

  6. I resisted including list comprehensions because they are not necessary and they are hard for beginners to debug. But I am considering including them.

  7. In a few places I use a dictionary instead of a set because (a) sets were not core Python at the time, and (b) I wanted to minimize the number of data structures I presented. But I think I will include them in the next edition.

  8. I have a bunch of new exercises from my classes that I can add. At the same time I will remove some of the less interesting exercises.

  9. I am considering adding a final chapter that presents the data structures in the collections class.

I will probably add to this list once I get started, but I am happy to hear comments and suggestions. You can add line notes to this file, or send me email.