Hello World!: Computer Programming for Kids and Other Beginners

SUMMARY

A gentle but thorough introduction to the world of computer programming, it is written in language a 12-year-old can follow, but anyone who wants to learn how to program a computer can use it. Even adults. Written by Warren Sande and his son, Carter, and reviewed by professional educators, this book is kid-tested and parent-approved.

ABOUT THIS BOOK

Learn to talk to your computer in its own language! Whether you want to create a game, start a business, or solve an important problem, the first step is learning to write your own programs. Programming is a fun challenge, and it's easy to get started!

This updated and revised edition of Hello World! introduces the world of computer programming in a clear and engaging style. Written by Warren Sande and his son, Carter, it is full of examples that will get you thinking and learning. Reviewed by professional educators, this book is kid-tested and parent-approved. You don't need to know anything about programming to use the book, just the basics of using a computer. If you can start a program and save a file, you'll be off and running!

WHAT'S INSIDE

• Explains concepts in clear language
• Lots of pictures, cartoons, and fun examples
• Complete set of practice questions and exercises
• Illustrated in full color

Hello World! uses Python, a programming language designed to be easy to learn. Using fun examples, it brings to life concepts of computing— looping, decisions, input and output, data structures, graphics—and many more.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Warren Sande is an electronic systems engineer who uses Python both as a "do anything" scripting language and as a way to teach computers and programming. Carter Sande is a high school student who is passionate about technology. When he's not fixing his school's network and helping his classmates recover lost homework, he likes to ride his bike and write retro video games.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Getting Started
2. Remember This: Memory and Variables
3. Basic Math
4. Types of Data
5. Input
6. GUIs—Graphical User Interfaces
7. Decisions, Decisions
8. Loop the Loop
9. Just for You—Comments
10. Game Time
11. Nested and Variable Loops
12. Collecting Things Together—Lists and Dictionaries
13. Functions
14. Objects
15. Modules
16. Graphics
17. Sprites and Collision Detection
18. A New Kind of Input—Events
19. Sound
20. More GUIs
21. Print Formatting and Strings
22. File Input and Output
23. Take a Chance—Randomness
24. Computer Simulations
25. Skier Explained
26. Python Battle
27. What's Next?

Warren Sande is an Electronic Systems Engineer who uses Python (and other languages) in his work, and also uses it to help teach his son about computers and programming. He holds a degree in Electronic Systems Engineering from the University of Regina, Saskatchewan as well as a Diploma in Communication Arts, specializing in Broadcasting, from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. He has taught introductory software courses to computer novices.

Carter Sande is a bright, curious, energetic, and thoughtful boy who loves computers, playing the piano, bouncing on the trampoline, and Mario. He has been playing and experimenting with computers from a young age.