Think Python: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist

by Allen Downey

Python is an excellent way to get started in programming, and this clear, concise guide walks you through Python a step at a time—beginning with basic programming concepts before moving on to functions, data structures, and object-oriented design. This revised third edition reflects the growing role of large language models (LLMs) in programming and includes exercises on effective LLM prompts, testing code, and debugging skills.

With this popular hands-on guide at your side, you'll

A grounding in the syntax and semantics of the Python language
A clear definition of each programming concept, with emphasis on clear vocabulary
How to work with variables, statements, functions, and data structures in a logical progression
Techniques for reading and writing files and databases
A solid understanding of objects, methods, and object-oriented programming
Debugging strategies for syntax, runtime, and semantic errors
An introduction to recursion, interface design, data structures, and basic algorithms
How to use LLMs—including effective prompts, testing code, and debugging
And more

Genres: Programming, Technology

325 pages, Paperback

Published July 2, 2024

Reviews

[Xian Zhang]

I grabbed this book as I was preparing for my summer camp course for high school scholars and I find it a perfect guide for those who has never programmed before and have never used Python.

Even for my graduate course, I can borrow some of the stuff, especially as a "crash course" for Python. This version also emphasized automated testing including doctest and unittest, I think I can for sure add a session about it.

Another thing I can borrow from this book is how it introduced virtual assistants (I like how Allen has named LLMs). There are suggestions throughout this book about how we can use those tools to accelerate our learning.

[Kyle Rinn]

It’s not great, it is very very high level and does not give much information into fundamentals. Nothing special I for sure recommend a free online source like codcademy over this.

[Charlie Thompson-Wood]

It's helpful.
I've heard of more helpful books that let us implement what we learn into making games like "Alien Invasion", mock websites and so on.
I chose this book over the other because it was recommended for my Computer Science class.
It's meh...
At least I learned a bit.

[Merrick Giles]

fantastic

[Bruno Solo]

My goto book to remind myself how to program in python.