Starting Out with Python

by Tony Gaddis

Introductory Programming / Python ®

Gaddis Books — Understanding from the Start!

 

Starting Out with Python introduces students to the basics of programming and prepares them to go on to more complicated languages. With the knowledge acquired using Python, students gain confidence in their skills and acquire the logic necessary for developing high-quality programs. This book discusses control structures, functions, lists, and file I/O before introducing classes. As with all Gaddis texts, clear and easy-to-read code listings, concise and practical real-world examples, detail-oriented explanations, and an abundance of exercises appear in every chapter.

 

This book is ideal for a one-semester introductory programming course for students with limited programming experience.

 

KEY FEATURES

Control structures, functions, lists, and file I/O are covered before classes are introduced. A clear and student-friendly writing style simplifies programming processes for beginning programmers, with two to three stepped-out explanations following each major concept. A variety of exercises in each chapter encourages students to put concepts to work as they are learned. Source code is provided so that students can run the programs themselves. In the Spotlight case studies walk students through the design of a problem by showing all the important steps. Checkpoints check students' understanding of important lessons at key places in each chapter. Other student-friendly features include Concept, Note, Tip,and Warning boxes. A student resource CD-ROM packaged with each new text includes Python, the IDLE development environment, source code from the example problems, and answers to all Checkpoint question.

COMPATIBLE WITH OTHER BOOKS IN THE GADDIS SERIES

 

Tony Gaddis's best-selling Starting Out With series provides accessible, detailed presentations of programming concepts using an approach that will increase confidence and competence in novice programmers.

 

The Starting Out With series includes books that meet most course and teaching styles. Titles include Starting Out with Alice, Python, Visual Basic®, C++, and Java™.

 

Visit www.aw.com/gaddisbooks for more information.

 

 

 

Genres: Programming, Textbooks, Computer Science, Nonfiction, Science, Education, Technology

648 pages, Unbound

First published March 7, 2008

Reviews

[Greg Witt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read the third edition. The edition I read was amazing the only downside to this book is that it can be wordy and a little to obvious with some of your code. However, this book is amazing. I recommend buying the first edition as the cover is clearly bad ass. compared to the version I have which has three slices of stupid bananas. All of the books this author has written about any programming language has some sort of fruit. Don't google the author's name. you will see his extensive fruit-basket of novels and comical photos of sex offenders.

If you are serious about learning to program in python BUY this book. highlight it and code the examples and try the practice programs from each chapter.

[amir · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it just great but just for start as the titles show,the thing that I liked this book very much is that u go very fast and it gives u exact information and also very intuitive examples to understand also how u can learn to talk with computer by python,so it is not just about learning a programming languages it is about also learning the philosophy of a computer program to show how it works.

[Serena Yates · Rating 3 out of 5]

While parts of this textbook ere useful to help me understand the principles of Python, I found it less useful in helping me understand some of the concepts of programming. Luckily my classes provided plenty of those but it made this book less helpful than I had hoped. Also, the examples and exercises are not really targeted at beginners, at least "this" beginner did not think so.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good introduction to the Python programming language. Although there are some small errors in the Python examples in the book, it is very informative and helpful. Definitely a good supplement to classroom instruction.

[Ivo Stoykov · Rating 4 out of 5]

If one need to learn programming basics and Python simultaneously, "Starting Out with Python" book is a good start. It offers well structured introduction in the language as well as in some basic programming concept. For those, curious to see what Python is, it worth to glance on it.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a great book to go with my coursework this semester. The various commands and structures of the Python language are explained well and there are some very good examples.

There are only two things I would have liked: Have the Mathlab and graphics modules instruction separate from the basics chapters, and include an answer key in the back for the multiple choice and T/F questions. I suppose some instructors use them for their classes, but we did not review the questions, but they work well to make sure you're getting the material.

[Manny Rath · Rating 4 out of 5]

good start but too basic n i personally dun need that turtle

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are brand new to Python, this text is excellent. The pace is just right, the instructions are clear, and the writing is good.

[James M]

Course work

[Lime Street Labrador · Rating 1 out of 5]

Suitable for primary school use, but condescending for adults.

[Ka Ming · Rating 4 out of 5]

good examples to illustrate concepts

[Raizel]

Read Chapters 1 through 10

[Xi Xi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful intro to Python!!