Starting Out with Python

by Tony Gaddis

For courses in Python programming.

A clear and student-friendly introduction to the fundamentals of Python
In Starting Out with Python®, 5th Edition, Tony Gaddis' accessible coverage introduces students to the basics of programming in a high-level language. Python, an easy-to-learn and increasingly popular object-oriented language, allows readers to become comfortable with the fundamentals of programming without the troublesome syntax that can be challenging for novices. With the knowledge acquired using Python, students gain confidence in their skills and learn to recognize the logic behind developing high-quality programs. Starting Out with Python discusses control structures, functions, and lists before classes. As with all Gaddis texts, clear and easy-to-read code listings, concise and practical real-world examples, focused explanations, and an abundance of exercises appear in every chapter. Updates to the 5th Edition include a new chapter on database programming, and new coverage of GUI programming, string processing and formatting, and turtle graphics topics.

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

896 pages, ebook

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!!