Description
A no-nonsense introduction to software design using the Python programming language. Written for people with no programming experience, this book starts with the most basic concepts and gradually adds new material. Some of the ideas students find most challenging, like recursion and object-oriented programming, are divided into a sequence of smaller steps and introduced over the course of several chapters. The focus is on the programming process, with special emphasis on debugging. The book includes a wide range of exercises, from short examples to substantial projects, so that students have ample opportunity to practise each new concept. Exercise solutions and code examples are available from thinkpython.com, along with Swampy, a suite of Python programs that is used in some of the exercises.
A no-nonsense introduction to software design using the Python programming language, for people with no programming experience.
About the Author
Allen B. Downey, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at the Olin College of Engineering in Needham, Massachusetts. He has taught at Wellesley College, Colby College, and UC Berkeley. He has a doctorate in computer science from UC Berkeley and a Master's degree from MIT. Dr Downey is the author of a previous version of this book, titled How to Think Like a Computer Scientist: Learning with Python, which he self-published in 2001.
Reviews
'I liked this book. The presentation is neat and clean, I might even say cheerful. And I learned a lot, not least of all where higher level languages are going, and the terminology used to express that ... I liked the pace of presentation. I liked the constant stirring of topics: a new feature, a hint on debugging, a few words on programming style, some thoughts on programming principles, then on to the next new feature. It really is a nice mix.' Scientific Programming
'... explains concepts in clear, readable prose; contains helpful illustrations; and integrates activities to engage its readers.' Computing in Science and Engineering
Book Information
ISBN 9780521725965
Author Allen B. Downey
Format Paperback
Page Count 270
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 470g
Dimensions(mm) 253mm * 178mm * 14mm
A no-nonsense introduction to software design using the Python programming language, for people with no programming experience.
About the Author
Allen B. Downey, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at the Olin College of Engineering in Needham, Massachusetts. He has taught at Wellesley College, Colby College, and UC Berkeley. He has a doctorate in computer science from UC Berkeley and a Master's degree from MIT. Dr Downey is the author of a previous version of this book, titled How to Think Like a Computer Scientist: Learning with Python, which he self-published in 2001.
Reviews
'I liked this book. The presentation is neat and clean, I might even say cheerful. And I learned a lot, not least of all where higher level languages are going, and the terminology used to express that ... I liked the pace of presentation. I liked the constant stirring of topics: a new feature, a hint on debugging, a few words on programming style, some thoughts on programming principles, then on to the next new feature. It really is a nice mix.' Scientific Programming
'... explains concepts in clear, readable prose; contains helpful illustrations; and integrates activities to engage its readers.' Computing in Science and Engineering
Book Information
ISBN 9780521725965
Author Allen B. Downey
Format Paperback
Page Count 270
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 470g
Dimensions(mm) 253mm * 178mm * 14mm
