Python

What is Python?

Python is one of the most widely used and easy-to-learn programming languages. The simplification and the possibility to do the most extensive of tasks make Python one of the best choices when starting to learn to program. In its core or rather technical terms, python is an interpreted programming language instead of compiled type languages such as C/C++. Python code is interpreted by python , while for compiled type languages a compiler is used to produce a binary file which is later used as an independent executable.

Why Python?

The reason to learn Python is that in cyber security you’ll find that there is a multitude of tasks which require manual work which could be automated to save a lot of time. There is a number of researchers who rely on Python to write exploits for new vulnerabilities.

As a beginner, learning Python will give you a rough understanding of how a program works and will also help you with critical thinking, this is rather dependent on what exactly is going to be your use case for Python. For instance, let’s say you want to brute force a rather custom service to find valid credentials just as a part of your enumeration process, there’s no available public tool available for you to do so, but knowing how to make use of Python will help you. Although this is a very common scenario, the possibilities are endless and it will entirely depend on your needs.

Study Guides

From my approach, I would suggest you go through books in the mentioned order but surely not limited to them, after all, you’ll have to find your own pace and what makes you comfortable with learning.

• A byte of Python:

This is the rather straightforward, short and concise, Python introductory guide I’ve ever seen and it is one of the most recommended resources for beginners.

• Automate the Boring Stuff with Python:

This book will introduce you to many modules(a term you may or may not be aware of, as of now), how to use and when to use them. I’d recommend this because you’ll learn to know what makes Python one of the best things to add to your arsenal.

• Violent Python:

This is a rather interesting book to help you apply your Python skills to aid your hacking skills.

• Black Hat Python:

A little more advanced than Violent Python, but this will help you make your custom toolkits or scripts that you may find relying on in certain cases.

Hopefully, the above recommendations will help you on your journey to understand the power of Python!