Think Python: An Introduction to Software Design - Softcover

Downey, Allen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1466367296 ISBN 13: 9781466367296

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2011

Synopsis

The goal of this book is to teach you to think like a computer scientist. This way of thinking combines some of the best features of mathematics, engineering, and natural science. Like mathematicians, computer scientists use formal languages to denote ideas (specifically computations). Like engineers, they design things, assembling components into systems and evaluating tradeoffs among alternatives. Like scientists, they observe the behavior of complex systems, form hypotheses, and test predictions. The single most important skill for a computer scientist is problem solving. Problem solving means the ability to formulate problems, think creatively about solutions, and express a solution clearly and accurately. As it turns out, the process of learning to program is an excellent opportunity to practice problem-solving skills. That’s why this chapter is called, “The way of the program.” On one level, you will be learning to program, a useful skill by itself. On another level, you will use programming as a means to an end. As we go along, that end will become clearer.

About this title

From the Author

This is an older version of the title now being published by O'Reilly.

About the Author

Allen B. Downey is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at the Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering. He has written several books, including Computational Modeling and Complexity Science, How to Think Like a Computer Scientist, The Little Book of Semaphores, Physical Modeling in MATLAB, and Learning Perl the Hard Way.

Edition details

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1466367296
• ISBN 13: 9781466367296
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 234