Think Python: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist

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 get:

• 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

Allen Downey is a Staff Producer at Brilliant and Professor Emeritus at Olin College of Engineering. He has taught computer science at Wellesley College, Colby College and U.C. Berkeley. He has a Ph.D. in Computer Science from U.C. Berkeley and a Master’s Degree from MIT.