In Python from the Very Beginning John Whitington takes a no-prerequisites approach to teaching the basics of a modern general-purpose programming language. Each small, self-contained chapter introduces a new topic, building until the reader can write quite substantial programs. There are plenty of questions and, crucially, worked answers and hints.
Python from the Very Beginning will appeal both to new programmers, and to experienced programmers eager to explore functional languages such as Haskell. It is suitable both for formal use within an undergraduate or graduate curriculum, and for the interested amateur.
Get it now on Amazon as a printed book for $29.99 or less, or as DRM-free PDF or EPUB Ebook for just $19.99.
Examples and Exercises in electronic form can be downloaded here.
Book updated in a Second Edition with corrections May 2023.
Sample chapters
- Front Matter (Contents, Preface, Getting Ready)
- 1. Starting Off
- 2. Names and Functions
- Using Scripts
- 3. Again and Again
- 4. Making Lists
- 5. More with Lists and Strings
- 6. Prettier Printing
- 7. Arranging Things
- 8. When Things Go Wrong
- 9. More with Files
- 10. The Other Numbers
- 11. The Standard Library
- 12. Building Bigger Programs
- Project 1: Pretty Pictures
- Project 2: Noughts and Crosses
- Project 3: Counting Calories
- Project 4: Photo Finish
- Answers to Questions | Hints for Questions | Index