Overview
Are you a...
- Systems administrator frustrated by the deficiencies of your existing tools?
- Web site creator wanting to produce more dynamic content?
- Computer user with a desire to know what's going on inside the box?
Then Learn to Program Using Python is the book for you.
You will find this book to be an ideal starting point for learning the essentials of computer programming. Assuming no prior knowledge (other than basic computer operation), this unintimidating and clearly written guide introduces you to programming terminology, fundamental concepts, and techniques for writing actual code.
Python is ideal for novice programmers: it is available for free; it has simple syntax but powerful features; it supports lots of programming styles; it runs on many platforms; it has a friendly and helpful user community. This book uses the Python language to teach you the fundamentals of computer programming. Once you master the basic techniques and concepts you learn in this book, you can apply them to any language you choose to work with.
Learn to Program Using Python is based on a popular on-line tutorial that has been expanded and enhanced for this book. It takes you step-by-step through all the essential programming topics. You will learn about:
- Sequences, branching, and looping
- Data types and variables
- Input and output
- Modular programming
- Handling files and text
- Errors
- Recursion
- Namespaces
- Object-oriented programming
- Event-driven programming
- Regular expressions
- Debugging
In addition, the book introduces elements of programming style and offers a look at the thinking and steps involved in designing a software solution. Several sample applications illustrate techniques and ideas in action.
Synopsis
Are you a...
- Systems administrator frustrated by the deficiencies of your existing tools?
- Web site creator wanting to produce more dynamic content?
- Computer user with a desire to know what's going on inside the box?
Then Learn to Program Using Python is the book for you.
You will find this book to be an ideal starting point for learning the essentials of computer programming. Assuming no prior knowledge (other than basic computer operation), this unintimidating and clearly written guide introduces you to programming terminology, fundamental concepts, and techniques for writing actual code.
Python is ideal for novice programmers: it is available for free; it has simple syntax but powerful features; it supports lots of programming styles; it runs on many platforms; it has a friendly and helpful user community. This book uses the Python language to teach you the fundamentals of computer programming. Once you master the basic techniques and concepts you learn in this book, you can apply them to any language you choose to work with.
Learn to Program Using Python is based on a popular on-line tutorial that has been expanded and enhanced for this book. It takes you step-by-step through all the essential programming topics. You will learn about:
- Sequences, branching, and looping
- Data types and variables
- Input and output
- Modular programming
- Handling files and text
- Errors
- Recursion
- Namespaces
- Object-oriented programming
- Event-driven programming
- Regular expressions
- Debugging
In addition, the book introduces elements of programming style and offers a look at the thinking and steps involved in designing a software solution. Several sample applications illustrate techniques and ideas in action.
Booknews
A beginner's guide to programming terminology, fundamental concepts, and techniques for writing code. The author focuses on the four basic constructs of programming<-->sequences, loops, branches, and modules<-->then walks step-by-step through the development of a word counter and a guessing game. The CD-ROM contains Python version 1.5.2 and a Python tutorial. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Editorials
From Barnes & Noble
The Barnes & Noble ReviewYou'd think there would be tons of programming books for absolute beginners, but there are far fewer good ones than you'd expect. In response, long-time programmer Alan Gauld began his own super-easy Web tutorial -- and it "just growed" into a super-easy book.
Gauld chose Python as his teaching language due to its relatively simple syntax, powerful features, support for diverse programming styles, and availability on every platform from Windows and Mac to Linux. (Oh, yeah, and it's free.) But his real interest is in teaching the mindset and techniques that apply to any programming language.
To that end, he starts by introducing the universal "raw materials of programming" -- variables, data types, strings, and so forth. Gauld shows how to make programs "look" intelligent with loops and IF statements, and how to get input from users. Next, he introduces high-level ideas of modularity that are indispensable to any programmer who wants to build quality code.
From there, it's on to more advanced stuff: recursion, namespaces, simple object-oriented and event-driven programming, regular expressions, and (thankfully) debugging. There's a very short but wonderful chapter on planning software projects, followed by two detailed case studies. If you're an utter novice, this is your book.(Bill Camarda)
Bill Camarda is a consultant and writer with nearly 20 years' experience in helping technology companies deploy and market advanced software, computing, and networking products and services. His 15 books include Special Edition Using Word 2000 and Upgrading & Fixing Networks For Dummies®, Second Edition.