Learn to Program Using Python: A Tutorial for Hobbyists, Self-Starters, and All Who Want to Learn the Art of Computer Programming - Softcover

Gauld, Alan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0201709384 ISBN 13: 9780201709384

Publisher: Addison Wesley, 2000

Synopsis

Learn to Program Using Python is a rarity in today's marketplace: a great introduction to programming for true beginners. It started as a hugely popular Web tutorial; reflecting comments from learners worldwide, author Alan Gauld has extended it into book form, adding new material, deeper explanations, and more code examples. Gauld introduces programming through Python, an extremely popular language that's easy to start with, available on virtually every platform, and is powerful enough to serve your needs for years to come. He starts with the absolute basics: what programming is, and the character and mindset of a successful programmer. Next, he introduces the concepts of data, operations, sequences, and loops; and shows how to interact with users. Gauld then walks through branching, modules, functions, file handling, error handling, and recursion. Once you've mastered the basics, he introduces object-oriented programming, and more advanced techniques. The book concludes with two detailed object-oriented case studies. For all beginning programmers, power users, and users of other programming languages who want to learn Python.

About this title

From the Back Cover

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.

About the Author

Alan Gauld is a professional programmer with a gift for explaining complex concepts. His 25-year career has encompassed numerous programming languages, operating systems, and application development projects, from embedded microcontrollers through mainframe billing systems.

0201709384AB04062001

Edition details

• Publisher: Addison Wesley
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0201709384
• ISBN 13: 9780201709384
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 288