Of course! Finding "Think Python" in EPUB format is a common request, as it's a fantastic book for learning Python. Here’s a complete guide on where to find it, the legal considerations, and other excellent free alternatives.
The Best and Most Legal Source: The Author's Website
The official and best place to get "Think Python" is directly from the author, Allen B. Downey. He generously provides the book for free in multiple formats, including EPUB.
How to Get It:
- Go to the official "Think Python" book website: https://greenteapress.com/wp/think-python/
- Scroll down the page. You will see a section titled "Free Books".
- In this section, you will find links to download the book in various formats:
- PDF: The most common format.
- EPUB: This is the format you want for e-readers like Kobo, Nook, and many others.
- MOBI: For older Kindles (though newer Kindles handle EPUB well via conversion).
- DjVu: Another less common format.
- Source Code: The book's source is also available on GitHub.
Why is this the best option?
- It's 100% Legal and Free: The author has made it available under a Creative Commons license, meaning you can share and modify it freely.
- It's the Official Version: You are guaranteed to get the most up-to-date and correct edition.
- No Ads or Malware: You are downloading it directly from a trusted source.
Other Legal Sources
The author's website is the primary source, but you can also find it on other platforms that aggregate free, public domain, or open-source books.
Project Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg is a digital library of over 60,000 free eBooks. Important Note: They primarily host books whose copyright has expired. "Think Python" is a modern book, so it's not on the main Gutenberg site. However, you might find it on their sister site, Project Gutenberg self-publishing platform.
- Link to search: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/search/?query=think+python
- You will likely find the 2nd Edition there. This is another legitimate source.
Internet Archive
The Internet Archive is a non-profit library of millions of free books, movies, software, music, and more. They have a vast collection of "Think Python" in EPUB format.
- Link to the book's page: https://archive.org/details/thinkpython2e
- On this page, you can choose from a variety of formats, including EPUB. This is another completely legal and safe option.
How to Use the EPUB File
Once you've downloaded the .epub file, you can read it on almost any device or computer.
-
E-Readers:
- Kobo: Transfer the file directly to your Kobo via USB. It's the native format.
- Nook: Also supports EPUB natively. Transfer via USB or use the Nook app.
- Kindle: Kindle does not natively support EPUB. You will need to convert it to the
.azw3or.mobiformat. The easiest way is to use a free online converter or free software like Calibre.
-
Smartphones & Tablets:
- Use a free e-reader app like Google Play Books, Apple Books, FBReader, or Moon+ Reader. Simply download the EPUB file and open it with your chosen app.
-
Computers:
- Windows: Use Calibre (a fantastic free e-book management tool), Google Play Books (in your browser), or Sumatra PDF.
- macOS: Use Apple Books (just double-click the file), Calibre, or Preview.
Alternative Free & Excellent Python Books (Also in EPUB)
If you're looking for other high-quality, free Python books, here are some top contenders that are also available in EPUB format.
| Book Title | Author(s) | Why It's Great | EPUB Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automate the Boring Stuff with Python | Al Sweigart | Extremely practical. Teaches you how to write scripts to automate real-world tasks like manipulating spreadsheets, sending emails, and scraping websites. Perfect for beginners. | Yes. Available on the official book's website. |
| Python Crash Course | Eric Matthes | A fast-paced, project-based book. It covers the basics quickly and then dives into two major projects: a video game and data visualization projects. | Yes. The 2nd Edition is available on the official book's website. |
| Effective Python | Brett Slatkin | More advanced. This book isn't for learning Python from scratch, but for writing Pythonic, clean, and effective code. It's a must-read for intermediate developers. | Yes. The 2nd Edition is available for free on the official book's website. |
| Dive Into Python 3 | Mark Pilgrim | A classic, in-depth guide for programmers who already know another language. It's very thorough and well-written. | Yes. Available for free on the official book's website. |
Summary
| Method | Safety | Legality | Convenience | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Author's Website | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | The #1 Best Choice |
| Internet Archive | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good | A great alternative backup. |
| Project Gutenberg | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Worth checking, but may not have the latest edition. |
| Unofficial Sources | Risky | Questionable | Varies | Strongly Discouraged. Avoid sites that require payment or have ads/malware. |
Final Recommendation: Always start with the official "Think Python" website by Allen B. Downey. It's the safest, most legal, and most convenient way to get the book in EPUB format.
