Today I am very pleased to announce the release of the book Scaling Python from my good friend Julien Danjou!

As Julien says, Python applications can handle millions of requests. Well, we know here that it’s easier on them when they are using PostgreSQL of course!

An Interview with Julien Danjou

  • Julien, this is your second book about write code in Python. Who are the target audience of both your books?

    I would say that they both share the same audience: Python developers that are familiar with the language but want to become more productive and build better applications with it. The Hacker’s Guide to Python covers general Python best practice, productivity tip, insight on how CPython works internally and presents the state of the art in many different topics.

    Scaling Python, my new opus, is targeting developers that want their code to be ready for tomorrow. Writing applications that can handle thousands of requests in a snap does not sound that easy. The book breaks down that large problem in simpler ones and provides solutions to solve them.

  • Python application and backends are often found using a PostgreSQL database server behind them, for the data processing parts of the application. You told me your book doesn’t address this part. Is it because PostgreSQL just works?

    Scaling Python does not cover PostgreSQL specifically because it is not a problem. Most bottlenecks in (Python) applications are not due to the database but caused by the application not being designed in any proper way. There are good practices and design that would work well when writing Python application where PostgreSQL handles the data processing: built it stateless, distribute the workload on multiple CPU/nodes, use caching properly, etc. The subjects the book cover fits well here.

  • Is there anything you might want to way to PostgreSQL users, application developers and DBAs about using Python in general, or your current book, Scaling Python, in particular?

    I think PostgreSQL and Python are good friends. You don’t (often) use PostgreSQL alone – you need an application in front of it to insert and retrieve the data. Python is a salutary language in this regard which you can both leverage in your application and with PL/Python! Using Python the proper way and designing code that performs at large scale is a challenge – so if your development team needs a hand, I’d suggest taking a look at Scaling Python! :)

Scaling Python, the packages

The book comes in a set of editions tailored to different needs, so that you can pick the one that makes sense for you. Also, Julien is kindly offering 15% off for my readers during the next 48 hours for any of the edition of the book. Just use the PYTHON-LOVES-POSTGRESQL coupon code in any of the following package:

Scaling Python, Enterprise Edition

$199 $169 with coupon code PYTHON-LOVES-POSTGRESQL

  • The ebook in PDF, HTML, MOBI and EPUB formats
  • 7 experts interviews
  • Future editions of the ebook
  • All code examples ready to run
  • Docker image with the complete environment to run all the book examples
  • Web interface to run all the examples as notebook – easy editing and toying
  • License to share with 10 members of your team

Scaling Python, Standard Edition

$89 $75 with coupon code PYTHON-LOVES-POSTGRESQL

  • The ebook in PDF, HTML, MOBI and EPUB formats
  • 7 experts interviews
  • Future editions of the ebook
  • All code examples ready to run
  • Docker image with the complete environment to run all the book examples

Scaling Python, Old-School Edition

$49 $43

  • The book printed in paperback format, delivered to your door
  • The ebook in PDF, HTML, MOBI and EPUB formats
  • 7 experts interviews

This purchase will go through Lulu, who do not distribute the electronic format. Forward your Lulu receipt to Julien to get the electronic version.


Scaling Python, Starter Edition

$39 $33 with coupon code PYTHON-LOVES-POSTGRESQL

The Hacker’s Guide to Scaling Python ebook in PDF, HTML, EPUB and MOBI formats.


If you have any question, feel free to reach Julien directly and he will be happy to reply. Or write in the comment section below!

And don’t worry: if the book is not what you expect it to be and has no value to you, then just say so and Julien will refund you, no questions asked.