top 11 python books for data science this year [learn data science using python]

Top 11 Python Books for Data Science in 2024 [Learn Data Science using Python]

Did you know that Harvard Business Review called data science the sexiest job of the 21st century?

dinosaur scratching chin with text data science is the sexiest job of the century its because they do modeling for profession

And whether or not you think data science is hotter than a ghost pepper🌶, the truth is that Python is the most popular language used in data science.

In other words?

If you want to be good at data science, you should probably learn Python.

So in today’s post, we’re sharing the absolute best Python books for data science.

You’ll discover their:

  • features
  • core concepts
  • layout
  • and more.

🐍 We also included a data science fundamentals bonus book that you don’t want to miss.

Let’s get into them!

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation if you buy something. Read my disclosure for more details.

TLDR: Top Python Books for Data Science

🔥 Best Overall 🔥
Intro to Python for Computer Science and Data Science

💥 Best for Newbies 💥
Data Science from Scratch: First Principles with Python

💸 Best Value 💸
Python for Data Science: The Ultimate Beginners’ Guide

Top Python Books for Data Science

1. Data Science Using Python and R

Data Science Using Python and R by Chantal and Daniel LaRose

Data Science Using Python and R is for readers who have no programming or analytics experience, so it’s great for beginners.

You’ll start off by learning about Python and R. Then you’ll move onto step-by-step walkthroughs to solve data science problems.

Some of the topics covered include:

  • data preparation
  • exploratory data analysis
  • decision trees
  • naive Bayes classification
  • neural networks
  • clustering
  • random forests

And much, much more.

There are over 500 exercises throughout Data Science using Python and R.

Table of evaluation measures in Data Science Using Python and R

With these hands-on challenges, you’ll solve business problems using real-world data.

In addition, you’ll learn how to enhance profitability with data-driven error costs.


2. Data Science and Machine Learning

Math is a must when it comes to data science.

Fortunately, Data Science and Machine Learning by Dirk Kroese, et al. is devoted entirely to mathematics.

This textbook is intended to give comprehensive insight into the mathematics and statistics required for data science.

If you need to brush up on your data science math skills, we also recommend the Data Science Math Skills course offered by Duke Univeristy & Coursera.

Some of what you’ll learn includes:

  • visualizing data
  • statistical data
  • Monte Carlo methods
  • deep learning
  • linear algebra
  • probability and statistics

In addition, there’s a Python primer which includes data science libraries like matplotlib and scikit-learn.

Data Science and Machine Learning is an exercise-heavy book with step-by-step walkthroughs of solutions.


Want to discover what a real-life data scientist does?

Check out our livestream interview with Jen. As a working data scientist, she shares education requirements, career opportunities, job responsibilities and more:


3. Intro to Python for Computer Science and Data Science

Intro to Python best python books for beginners cover with multicolored elephant

Intro to Python for Computer Science and Data Science by Paul Deitel and Harvey Deitel contains a unique teaching model as it applies to both aspiring developers and data scientists.

You’ll learn to program using artificial intelligence, Big Data and the Cloud… All in Python, of course.

In addition, you’ll learn about Jupyter Notebooks, an open-source web application used for data cleaning.

Then you’ll work on hundreds of hands-on exercises and case studies to reinforce the fundamentals of Python in data science.

So instead of just sitting back and reading, you’ll be working through actual coding problems.

What I really think about this book…

There are plenty of awesome Python books for data science in this list. But Intro to Python for Computer Science and Data Science is the best.

You’ll see 5-star review after 5-star review singing its praises.

If there’s one book I think you should buy on this list, it’s Intro to Python for Computer Science and Data Science.

Intro to Python is ideal to use in conjunction with other data science materials such as books or courses.

This was definitely a very good hands-on introduction on how to use Python for Data Science. I would definitely recommend this book to people who are just starting out and want to learn by coding, not just by reading or watching videos.

Nithi Sangthong, Customer

4. Python Data Science Handbook

Python Data Science Handbook by Jake VanderPlas is a handy reference book for experienced data scientists.

For example, you’ll work with various data science tools such as:

  • IPython
  • NumPy
  • Pandas
  • Matplotlib
  • Scikit-learn

And beyond.

Diagram of groupby operation in Python Data Science Handbook

This is unique because most resources usually only cover one or a few of these tools. Rarely will you see so many examined in one book.

It’s also a useful reference for:

  • manipulating and cleaning data
  • data visualization
  • building statistical models
  • building machine learning models

And more.

If you’re a data scientist in need of some good reference materials, Python Data Science Handbook is one of the best Python books for data science.


5. Data Science for Beginners: 4 Books in 1

Just like the title says, Data Science for Beginners by Andrew Park is actually a compilation of four books in one.

It covers:

  • Python programming
  • data analysis
  • machine learning
  • data science using Python

You’ll learn about concepts and methods to build your foundation on these topics. In addition, you’ll work with real-world examples.

But first, you’ll learn Python from scratch. So you’ll learn how to install it, basic operations and more.

Then you’ll build on the fundamentals of Python by learning about object-oriented programming (OOP), inheritance and polymorphism.

After that, you’ll learn 5 steps to use data analysis to your advantage when looking at data.

Interested in data science but never programmed before? Check out the course Data Science for Non-Programmers on Educative.io.

You’ll also examine how companies improve their businesses by utilizing data analysis and data science.

Data Science for Beginners is primarily geared towards software engineers and project managers looking to take their skills to the next data-driven level.


6. Data Science with Python and Dask

Data Science with Python and Dask by Jesse Daniel heavily focuses on the analytics tool Dask.

What is Dask, you ask? Basically, with Dask you’ll be able to build scalable projects that are able to handle huge datasets.

Dask is a library that complements other Python libraries like pandas, NumPy and scikit-learn.

Throughout the book, you’ll work on some fun real-world projects:

  • analyze NYC Parking Ticket data
  • create machine learning models
  • build interactive visualizations
  • build clusters

And beyond.

In addition, you’ll learn how to implement your own algorithms… And work with structured and unstructured datasets.

Finally, you’ll learn how to package and deploy Dask applications.

You should have experience with Python and PyStack before reading Data Science with Python and Dask.


7. Practical Statistics for Data Scientists

While statistical books are plentiful, you’ll rarely see them as they relate to data science.

Practical Statistics for Data Scientists by Peter Bruce, et al. uses Python and R to teach over 50 essential statistics concepts.

In addition, you’ll also learn how to apply statistical methods to data science.

With over 300 pages, you’ll look at:

  • exploratory data analysis
  • data and sampling distributions
  • statistical experiments
  • regression and prediction
  • classification

And more.

With example-heavy text, you’ll learn about things such as how random sampling can reduce bias and using regression to estimate outcomes.

In addition, you’ll learn about using unsupervised learning to extract meaning from unlabeled data and how to use experimental design.

You should have experience with Python before reading Practical Statistics for Data Scientists.

Amazing book! Just what I needed to learn practical statistics for data science. Sure beats old boring and overly complicated textbooks…

AirborneTrader, Customer


8. Data Science from Scratch: First Principles with Python

We consider Data Science from Scratch by Joel Grus to be one of the best Python books for data science.

First of all, you’ll get a crash course in Python. Also, you’ll learn how to implement algorithms from scratch.

In addition, you’ll learn about key Python libraries, toolkits and frameworks. Plus you’ll learn the principles behind them.

After learning about Python, you’ll acquire the basics of:

  • linear algebra
  • statistics
  • probability

And more.

Then Data Science from Scratch touches on machine learning.

Want a course to take alongside this book? Try out Introduction to Data Science with Python on DataCamp.

Finally, you’ll explore how to implement models such as neural networks and decision trees. Plus you’ll discover recommender systems and natural language processing (NLP).

Reducing variance graph in Data Science from Scratch


9. Data Science Projects with Python

Data Science Projects with Python by Stephen Klosterman gives us aspiring data scientists something we desperately need: practice.

data science projects with python book cover

You’ll start by installing packages to set up your data science coding environment. Then you’ll load data into a Jupyter Notebook.

After that, you’ll use matplotlib to create data visualizations… Plus much more.

The structure of the book will allow you to:

  • identify problems
  • solve problems
  • use visualizations to illustrate data

And more.

By the end of this book, you should be confident in using machine learning algorithms to perform data analysis.

Data Science Projects with Python is for readers already familiar with Python and data analytics. It will also be helpful to be comfortable with algebra and statistics.


10. Python for Data Science: The Ultimate Beginners’ Guide

Python for Data Science: The Beginners’ Guide by Ethan Williams is geared towards developers wanting to learn Python as it applies to data science.

You do not need any previous programming experience.

There are 4 main chapters in the book:

  • Python Basics
  • Data Analysis with Python
  • Data Visualization with Python
  • Machine Learning with Python

You’ll be introduced to a few Python libraries such as NumPy, pandas and Seaborn.

Throughout the book, you’ll see examples with real-world applications. Also, there are plenty of exercises to work on.

Really want to get data science down? Check out the video course Complete Machine Learning and Data Science on Zero to Mastery.

In addition to in-book exercises, there are tons of links to external practices and readings.


11. Python Data Science

Python Data Science by Andrew Park is perhaps one of the shortest Python books for data science.

That said, we also found it highly informative.

First and foremost, you’ll learn about the proper steps to take and algorithms to use to help you sort through data.

Then you’ll learn how to implement Python within data science while exploring functions and modules.

Python Data Science also exhibits 7 of the most important algorithms in data science alongside 9 data mining techniques.

In addition to collecting and cleaning data, you’ll also learn how to perform analysis to extract vital information.

You should have experience with Python before reading Python Data Science.


Bonus: Doing Data Science: Straight Talk from the Frontline

We think Doing Data Science by Cathy O’Neil and Rachel Schutt is an excellent introductory book to data science.

So while there isn’t a focus on Python, you can get a lot out of learning the fundamentals of data science.

You’ll learn about:

And much more.

In these chapter-long lectures, you’ll gain insight from data scientists that have worked at FAANG-level companies. This includes insightful case studies.

You should be familiar with algebra, statistics, and programming.


Python Books for Data Science: Recap

Today we looked at the best Python books for data science. From Numpy to pandas, linear algebra to Dask…

These books are diverse, insightful, and straight-up packed with information.

Our favorites:

🔥 Best Overall
Intro to Python for Computer Science and Data Science

💥 Best for Newbies
Data Science from Scratch: First Principles with Python

💰Best Value
Python for Data Science: The Ultimate Beginners’ Guide

So regardless of your needs, we these Python books for data science can benefit just about anyone interested in this amazing…and some even say sexy!…career field.


Pythonistas researching the best python books for data science are also reading:

  1. Is Doing Data Science a good book for beginners?

    We think Doing Data Science is an excellent introductory book to data science. So while there is not a focus on Python, you can get a lot out of learning the fundamentals of data science. With over 350 pages, you’ll learn about statistical inference, algorithms, logistic regression, data visualization, data journalism, Hadoop, MapReduce, and much more. In these chapter-long lectures, you’ll gain insight from data scientists that have worked at FAANG-level companies. This includes case studies. You should be familiar with algebra, statistics, and programming. Check out today’s post for more info.

  2. What are the best Python books for data science?

    We picked the best Python books for data science based on the following criteria. For best overall, our top choice is Intro to Python for Computer Science and Data Science. For newbies, we think Data Science from Scratch: First Principles with Python is a good fit. And for best value, we think Python for Data Science: The Ultimate Beginners’ Guide is the way to go. So regardless of your needs, we thinks there’s a Python book for data science that will work for you. Read our post for the full scoop.

  3. Is Python Data Science Handbook any good?

    We think Python Data Science Handbook is a handy reference book for experienced data scientists. For example, you’ll work with various data science tools such as IPython, NumPy, pandas, Matplotlib and beyond. This is unique because most resources usually only cover one or a few of these tools. Rarely will you see so many examined in one book. It’s also a useful reference for: manipulating and cleaning data, data visualization, building statistical models, building machine learning models and more. If you’re a data scientist in need of some good reference materials, Python Data Science Handbook is one of the best Python books for data science. Find out more in today’s post.