Introduction to Programming Using Python, An, 1st edition

For college-level Computer Science courses in Python

Basic Programming and Problem Solving in Python

As one of the most widely used programming languages in the software industry, Python is desirable to both learn and teach.

Introduction to Programming Using Python is designed for students eager to learn about the world of programming. Applicable to a range of skill levels, this First Edition textbook provides students with the tools to harness the powerful syntax of Python and understand how to develop computer programs. The compactly written text leverages highly focused chapters, diving deep into the most significant topics to give students an in-depth (rather than superficial) understanding of the language. Using real-world examples and data, the author illustrates practical usage of Python in a way to which students can relate. The text itself is readable, organized, and informative, discussing main points of each topic first and then addressing the peripheral details. Students learn good programming habits the first time—bringing them in line with the best modern programming practices.

Hands-on exercises and practice

• Exercises for Most Sections. Each section that teaches programming has an exercise set that both reinforces the understanding of the key ideas of the section and challenges the student to explore applications. Most of the exercise sets require the student to trace programs, find errors, and write programs.
• Practice Problems. Practice Problems are carefully selected and located at the end of a section, just before the exercise set. The practice problems often focus on points that are potentially confusing or are best appreciated after the student has explored them thoroughly.
• Guide to Application Topics. This section provides an index of programs that deal with various topics including Business, Economics, Mathematics, and Sports.

Project-based learning

• Programming Projects. Beginning with Chapter 2, every chapter contains engaging programming projects. The projects not only reflect the variety of ways that computers are used in the business community, but also present some games and general-interest topics. Ranging in subject matter and difficulty, these projects allow instructors to adapt the course to students’ interests and abilities.

Reinforced and detailed guidance

• Comments. Extensions and fine points of new topics are deferred to the “Comments” portion at the end of each section so that they will not interfere with the flow of the presentation.
• Chapter Summaries. In Chapters 2 through 8, the key terms and concepts (along with examples) are summarized at the end of the chapter.
• VideoNotes. VideoNotes are Pearson’s visual tool designed for teaching key programming concepts and techniques. VideoNote icons are placed in the margin of the textbook to notify the reader when a topic is discussed in a video. Also, a Guide to Video Notes summarizing the different videos throughout the text is included.
• Solution Manuals. The Student Solutions Manual contains the answer to every odd-numbered exercise (not including programming projects). The Instructor Solutions Manual contains the answer to every exercise and programming project. Both solution manuals are in pdf format and can be downloaded from the Publisher’s Web site.
• Source Code and Data Files. The programs for all examples and the data files needed for the exercises can be downloaded from the Publisher’s Web site.