This book teaches how to write GUI applications using the Python programming language and the Qt application development framework. Part I provides a fast-paced Python tutorial and some PyQt coverage, and the rest of the book covers basic through advanced GUI programming with PyQt. Readers should have some background in an object-oriented programming language, such as C++, Java, or Python. The rich text chapter assumes some familiarity with HTML and regular expressions, and the database and threading chapters assume some basic knowledge of those topics. Knowledge of GUI programming is not required. The book is for software developers and others, including scientists and engineers, who need to so some programming in support of their work. It is also suitable for undergraduate and post-graduate students, especially those doing research that includes a substantial computing element. Summerfield has written other books on Qt and GUI programming. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)