Chapter 4: Further Reading
Annotated Bibliography
The following resources provide deeper coverage of the topics introduced in this chapter. They are organized by subject area, with annotations explaining what each resource offers and when you might want to consult it.
Python Installation and Configuration
1. "Python Setup and Usage" — Python Software Foundation https://docs.python.org/3/using/index.html
The official Python documentation for installing and configuring Python on every major operating system. This is the authoritative source when you encounter platform-specific installation issues not covered in this chapter. The sections on Windows and macOS are particularly thorough, covering environment variables, multiple Python versions, and platform-specific quirks.
2. "The Hitchhiker's Guide to Python: Best Practices" — Kenneth Reitz and Tanya Schlusser (O'Reilly, 2016) https://docs.python-guide.org/
An opinionated guide to Python development best practices, including detailed coverage of virtual environments, project structure, and package management. The "Properly Installing Python" and "Virtual Environments" sections complement this chapter well. While some specific version numbers are outdated, the principles and practices remain current.
Visual Studio Code
3. "VS Code Documentation" — Microsoft https://code.visualstudio.com/docs
The complete official documentation for Visual Studio Code. Start with the "Getting Started" section if you are new to VS Code, then explore "Python in VS Code" for Python-specific setup. The "Tips and Tricks" page is especially valuable for learning keyboard shortcuts and productivity features that accelerate your vibe coding workflow.
4. "Python in Visual Studio Code" — Microsoft https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/languages/python
A focused guide to configuring VS Code specifically for Python development. Covers the Python extension, debugging, linting, formatting, testing, and Jupyter notebook integration. This is the first place to look when your Python development experience in VS Code is not working as expected.
Claude Code and Anthropic API
5. "Claude Code Documentation" — Anthropic https://docs.anthropic.com/en/docs/claude-code
The official documentation for Claude Code, including installation, configuration, authentication, and usage patterns. This resource stays current as Claude Code evolves. Consult it for the latest features, command syntax, and best practices for agentic coding workflows.
6. "Anthropic API Documentation" — Anthropic https://docs.anthropic.com/en/docs
Comprehensive API documentation covering authentication, models, pricing, rate limits, and best practices. Essential reading for understanding how tokens, context windows, and model selection affect your Claude Code experience and costs. The "Getting Started" guide walks through API key creation and first API calls.
GitHub Copilot
7. "GitHub Copilot Documentation" — GitHub https://docs.github.com/en/copilot
The official guide to GitHub Copilot, covering setup, configuration, usage tips, and troubleshooting. The "Getting started" section walks through VS Code integration, while the "Using GitHub Copilot" section provides practical tips for getting better suggestions. The FAQ addresses common issues like suggestions not appearing or subscription questions.
Cursor
8. "Cursor Documentation" — Cursor https://docs.cursor.com/
The official Cursor documentation covering installation, features, keyboard shortcuts, and configuration. Particularly useful sections include the guide to Composer (multi-file editing), the @ symbol reference system, and the settings for model selection and behavior customization.
Git and Version Control
9. "Pro Git" — Scott Chacon and Ben Straub (Apress, 2nd Edition, 2014) https://git-scm.com/book/en/v2
The definitive book on Git, available free online. Chapters 1-3 cover installation, basic configuration, and core workflows. While this chapter covers only Git installation and initial setup, you will return to this resource extensively in Chapter 31 (Version Control Workflows). The explanations of branching and merging are particularly clear.
10. "GitHub Skills" — GitHub https://skills.github.com/
A collection of interactive, hands-on courses for learning Git and GitHub directly in your browser. The "Introduction to GitHub" and "Communicate using Markdown" courses are ideal for beginners who have just installed Git and want to practice the basics before Chapter 31.
Terminal and Shell
11. "The Linux Command Line" — William Shotts (No Starch Press, 5th Edition, 2019) https://linuxcommand.org/tlcl.php
A comprehensive, beginner-friendly introduction to the command line and Bash shell, available free online. Even if you use Windows or macOS, Chapters 1-6 provide an excellent foundation in terminal concepts that apply across all platforms. The explanations of PATH, environment variables, and shell configuration are the clearest available.
Virtual Environments and Package Management
12. "Python Virtual Environments: A Primer" — Real Python https://realpython.com/python-virtual-environments-a-primer/
A thorough, practical tutorial on Python virtual environments that goes beyond what this chapter covers. Includes explanations of how virtual environments work under the hood, comparison of venv versus virtualenv versus conda, and best practices for managing multiple environments. The troubleshooting section is especially valuable.
13. "pip Documentation" — Python Packaging Authority https://pip.pypa.io/en/stable/
The official pip documentation covers everything from basic pip install usage to advanced topics like constraints files, editable installs, and custom package indices. Consult this when you need to do something beyond simple package installation, such as installing from a Git repository or managing package conflicts.
Environment Security
14. "The Twelve-Factor App: Config" — Adam Wiggins https://12factor.net/config
A seminal essay on storing configuration in environment variables, which is the approach used in this chapter for API keys. Part of the larger "Twelve-Factor App" methodology for building modern applications. Short, opinionated, and highly influential. Reading this will deepen your understanding of why .env files and environment variables are the standard for configuration management.
15. "Securing Your Developer Environment" — OWASP Foundation https://owasp.org/www-project-developer-guide/
The Open Web Application Security Project's guide to development security practices. The sections on secret management and secure configuration are directly relevant to the API key handling covered in this chapter. A more comprehensive treatment of the security considerations introduced here.
How to Use These Resources
- If you are stuck on installation: Start with the official documentation for the specific tool (resources 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, or 9).
- If you want deeper understanding: Read the conceptual guides (resources 2, 11, 12, 14).
- If you need troubleshooting help: Check the official docs first, then the community guides (resources 4, 7, 12).
- If you want to learn more about security: Read resources 14 and 15.
- If you want hands-on practice: Work through the GitHub Skills courses (resource 10) and the Real Python tutorials (resource 12).