Elementary Information Security vs Black Hat Python, 2nd Edition: Python for Hackers and Pentesters
Overall winner: Black Hat Python, 2nd Edition: Python for Hackers and Pentesters
Key Differences
Black Hat Python (Justin Seitz, Tim Arnold) is security-focused with practical hacking and pentesting examples and a higher average rating (4.70 from 772 reviews), making it better for hands-on practitioners; Elementary Information Security (Richard E. Smith) is geared toward starters with broader topic coverage and lower review count and rating (4.40 from 99 reviews), making it a better low-cost introductory textbook choice
Elementary Information Security
Introduces information security concepts with practical coverage. Users praise information quality and value for money, though compatibility and access code availability are mixed
Pros
- informative information security coverage
- perceived good value for money
- useful for beginners
Cons
- mixed compatibility feedback
- access code availability varies
Black Hat Python, 2nd Edition: Python for Hackers and Pentesters
Authored guide on Python for security-focused tasks and pentesting. Provides practical techniques for researchers and developers; readers note gradual progression from foundational concepts but some find the material challenging to follow
Pros
- practical Python techniques for security tasks
- progressive learning curve
- relevant to researchers and pentesters
- clear real-world applications
Cons
- some readers find it challenging to follow
- mixed ease of understanding
Head-to-Head
| Criteria | Winner |
|---|---|
| Price | Justin Seitz, Tim Arnold |
| Durability | Tie |
| Versatility | Justin Seitz, Tim Arnold |
| User Reviews | Justin Seitz, Tim Arnold |