Python Crash Course: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1593276036 ISBN 13: 9781593276034

Publisher: No Starch Press, 2015

Python Crash Course is a fast-paced, thorough introduction to programming with Python that will have you writing programs, solving problems, and making things that work in no time.

In the first half of the book, you'll learn about basic programming concepts, such as lists, dictionaries, classes, and loops, and practice writing clean and readable code with exercises for each topic. You'll also learn how to make your programs interactive and how to test your code safely before adding it to a project. In the second half of the book, you'll put your new knowledge into practice with three substantial projects: a Space Invaders-inspired arcade game, data visualizations with Python's super-handy libraries, and a simple web app you can deploy online.

As you work through Python Crash Course, you'll learn how to:

• Use powerful Python libraries and tools, including matplotlib, NumPy, and Pygal
• Make 2D games that respond to keypresses and mouse clicks, and that grow more difficult as the game progresses
• Work with data to generate interactive visualizations
• Create and customize simple web apps and deploy them safely online
• Deal with mistakes and errors so you can solve your own programming problems

If you've been thinking seriously about digging into programming, Python Crash Course will get you up to speed and have you writing real programs fast. Why wait any longer? Start your engines and code!

About the Author:

Eric Matthes is a high school math and science teacher living in Alaska who teaches an Introduction to Programming class in Python. He has been writing programs since he was five years old.

Review:

Recommended reading for a “shining tech career” by Techradar India

Python Crash Course was selected as one of the best books for learning Python by Real Python
“It has been interesting to see, over the last few years, No Starch Press, which produces this book, growing and producing future classics that should be alongside the more traditional O’Reilly Press programming books. Python Crash Course is one of those books.”
—Greg Laden, ScienceBlogs

“All of these projects are well thought out and presented in such a way that learning the subject matter and implementing it is much more an enjoyable pastime rather than an onerous task that must be completed. Eric took the time to deal with some rather complex projects and lay them out in a consistent, logical and pleasant manner that draws the reader into the subject willingly, which unfortunately, many authors fail to do.”
—Full Circle Magazine

“The book is well presented with good explanations of the code snippets. It works with you, one small step at a time, building more complex code, explaining what's going on all the way.”
—FlickThrough Reviews

“Learning Python with Python Crash Course was an extremely positive experience! A great choice if you’re new to Python.”
—Mikke Goes Coding