Get Programming

Summary

Get Programming: Learn to code with Python introduces you to the world of writing computer programs without drowning you in confusing jargon or theory that make getting started harder than it should be. Filled with practical examples and step-by-step lessons using the easy-on-the-brain Python language, this book will get you programming in no time!

This book works perfectly alongside our video course Get Programming with Python in Motion, available exclusively at Manning.com: www.manning.com/livevideo/get-programmin?g-with-python-in-motion

Purchase of the print book includes a free eBook in PDF, Kindle, and ePub formats from Manning Publications.

About the Technology

Let's face it. The only way to learn computer programming is to do it. Whether you want to skill up for your next job interview or just get a few pet projects done, programming can be an amazing tool. This book is designed especially for beginners, helping them learn to program hands on, step by step, project by project. It's time to get programming!

About the Book

Get Programming: Learn to code with Python teaches you the basics of computer programming using the Python language. In this exercise-driven book, you'll be doing something on nearly every page as you work through 38 compact lessons and 7 engaging capstone projects. By exploring the crystal-clear illustrations, exercises that check your understanding as you go, and tips for what to try next, you'll start thinking like a programmer in no time.

What's Inside

• Programming skills you can use in any language
• Learn to code—no experience required
• Learn Python, the language for beginners
• Dozens of exercises and examples help you learn by doing

About the Reader

No prior programming experience needed.

About the Author

Ana Bell is an MIT lecturer and scientist who teaches the popular course, Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python.

Table of Contents

LEARNING HOW TO PROGRAM

Lesson 1 - Why should you learn how to program?
Lesson 2 - Basic principles of learning a programming language

UNIT 1 - VARIABLES, TYPES, EXPRESSIONS, AND STATEMENTS

Lesson 3 - Introducing Python: a programming language
Lesson 4 - Variables and expressions: giving names and values to things
Lesson 5 - Object types and statements of code 46
Lesson 6 - Capstone project: your first Python program-convert hours to minutes

UNIT 2 - STRINGS, TUPLES, AND INTERACTING WITH THE USER

Lesson 7 - Introducing string objects: sequences of characters
Lesson 8 - Advanced string operations
Lesson 9 - Simple error messages
Lesson 10 - Tuple objects: sequences of any kind of object
Lesson 11 - Interacting with the user
Lesson 12 - Capstone project: name mashup

UNIT 3 - MAKING DECISIONS IN YOUR PROGRAMS

Lesson 13 - Introducing decisions in programs
Lesson 14 - Making more-complicated decisions
Lesson 15 - Capstone project: choose your own adventure

UNIT 4 - REPEATING TASKS

Lesson 16 - Repeating tasks with loops
Lesson 17 - Customizing loops
Lesson 18 - Repeating tasks while conditions hold
Lesson 19 - Capstone project: Scrabble, Art Edition

UNIT 5 - ORGANIZING YOUR CODE INTO REUSABLE BLOCKS

Lesson 20 - Building programs to last
Lesson 21 - Achieving modularity and abstraction with functions
Lesson 22 - Advanced operations with functions
Lesson 23 - Capstone project: analyze your friends

UNIT 6 - WORKING WITH MUTABLE DATA TYPES

Lesson 24 - Mutable and immutable objects
Lesson 25 - Working with lists
Lesson 26 - Advanced operations with lists
Lesson 27 - Dictionaries as maps between objects
Lesson 28 - Aliasing and copying lists and dictionaries
Lesson 29 - Capstone project: document similarity

UNIT 7 - MAKING YOUR OWN OBJECT TYPES BY USING OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING

Lesson 30 - Making your own object types
Lesson 31 - Creating a class for an object type
Lesson 32 - Working with your own object types
Lesson 33 - Customizing classes
Lesson 34 - Capstone project: card game

UNIT 8 - USING LIBRARIES TO ENHANCE YOUR PROGRAMS

Lesson 35 - Useful libraries
Lesson 36 - Testing and debugging your programs
Lesson 37 - A library for graphical user interfaces
Lesson 38 - Capstone project: game of tag

Appendix A - Answers to lesson exercises
Appendix B - Python cheat sheet
Appendix C - Interesting Python libraries

 

Ana Bell is a lecturer at MIT in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science department, where she co-lectures the Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python course aimed at students with no programming experience.