A Concise Introduction to Programming in Python

Suitable for newcomers to computer science, A Concise Introduction to Programming in Python provides a succinct, yet complete, first course in computer science using the Python programming language.

The book features:

• Short, modular chapters with brief and precise explanations, intended for one class period
• Early introduction of basic procedural constructs such as functions, selection, and repetition, allowing them to be used throughout the course
• Objects are introduced in the middle of the course, and class design comes toward the end
• Examples, exercises, and projects from a wide range of application domains, including biology, physics, images, sound, mathematics, games, and textual analysis
• No external libraries are required, simplifying the book’s use in common lab spaces

Each chapter introduces a main idea through a concrete example and a series of exercises. Designed to teach programming in a concise, yet comprehensive way, this book provides a timely introduction for students and anyone interested in learning Python.

Mark J. Johnson is professor of computer science and mathematics at Central College in Pella, Iowa, where he holds the Ruth and Marvin Denekas Endowed Chair in Science and Humanities. Mark is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison (Ph.D., mathematics) and St. Olaf College.