Practical Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science Using Python

by Jennifer Campbell, Paul Gries, Jason Montojo

Computers are used in every part of science from ecology to particle physics. This introduction to computer science continually reinforces those ties by using real-world science problems as examples. Anyone who has taken a high school science class will be able to follow along as the book introduces the basics of programming, then goes on to show readers how to work with databases, download data from the web automatically, build graphical interfaces, and most importantly, how to think like a professional programmer. Topics covered include: Basic elements of programming from arithmetic to loops and if statements. Using functions and modules to organize programs. Using lists, sets, and dictionaries to organize data. Designing algorithms systematically. Debugging things when they go wrong. Creating and querying databases. Building graphical interfaces to make programs easier to use. Object-oriented programming and programming patterns.

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

350 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2009

Reviews

[Rachel Smalter Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are definitely a few quirks, gaps and mistakes in this first edition, but I'm a first-time computer programmer and found Practical Programming pretty accessible. They also make an effort to include cute examples about bunnies and babies to make the experience as painless as possible.

[Ed Terrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction into some of the more advanced topics in Python including modules, classes and methods. The section on creating your own classes is clear and concise. There are numerous code examples that can be downloaded from the web which make following the text super fast. Perfect for those who already know the basics but want a little more theory on the machinations of python and object oriented programming, Big O notation, functional design recipes and methods of code testing are also covered.

[Tanner Welsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well structured overview of essential programming concepts and common logic. A good primer for anyone interested in learning to code, especially in Python. Most of the chapters cover topics that are applicable to other high-level languages, but there are some Python-specific parts as well.

[Rahul Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to start off programming with Python. It describes in details the thought process of writing good programs that don't only work well but are also easy to read by other programmers. Great resource.

[Nita]

Per Brian T., I should see also http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6U-i4...

[Wudongnoodles · Rating 3 out of 5]

good for starters

[Parva Chhantyal · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are new in Python, this book is for you :).

[Wendelle]

the professors are kind and adept at surmising student difficulties, but the fact remains computer science is still very difficult to hurdle. you have to meditate on every word carefully just to comprehend the reason and purpose of the program, and later on in creating your own programs you have to develop a mindset that produces both logical streamlining and clean design. This makes computer programming a heavy feat that goes beyond relying on cookie-cutter algorithms.

[Shayan aminnjad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall this was a great introductory book on python, easy to read, easy to follow while covering essential concepts of python and scratching some concepts in computer science. I wish there were fewer chemistry examples, that's the only complaint I have about this book. If someone wants to learn python programming specifically, this book will be my first suggestion.

[Evgeniy Pogrebnyak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short text

It is hard to find a"perfect" software book, any choice is subjective. What matters time in this kind of reading is practical value - can take some advice directly to your work, accessibility - you understand what is going on in the text and trust in authors that they know exactly what is needed to say without overwhelming you. I had the book sitting for a while in kindle, but I'm glad I got back reading it, it was a worthwhile cause. Great list of references. Fully endorse this book.

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly useful as a quick Python syntax reference, and as a good source for real-world practice problems ("Sort the DNA strings in a list" and "emulate traffic patterns in a grid with variables for different conditions" being two notable examples). Not a particularly deep reference, but there is some good stuff to be found here. I'd imagine most competent programmers (read: not me) would finish most of these problems in a few hours.

[Hung · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book for beginner or who has a little experience in programming. Each chapter introduce and explain good enough for definitions, data structures, and why Python has those. I recommend reading this book carefully to whom are new and start to study programming. For those who are familiar with at least 2 programming languages, I suggest skimming each chapter quickly and do all the exercises after. It will help you familiar with Python later.

[Alan]

http://dobbscodetalk.com/index.php?op...