Using Python

Python is a powerful programming language. Here are a few benefits:

• Readable code
• Easy to add capabilities using libraries.

Quick Introduction

Python For Everybody provides a brief, friendly introduction to the core concepts behind Python.

Core Language Concepts:

• Chapter 2: Variables
• Chapter 3: Conditionals
• Chapter 4: Functions
• Chapter 5: Iteration
• Chapter 8: Lists
• Chapter 9: Dictionaries

Additional Readings:

Read additional chapters in the book as needed. Some particularly relevant ones will include:

• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 7: Files
• Chapter 12: Retrieving Web Data
• Chapter 14: Objects and Classes

Learning Python More Deeply

A more complete introduction to Python programming and thinking like a computer scientist is given by the following books.

• Think Python by Allen Downey
  • A quick, clean introduction to programming
  • Early focus on reasoning programming with functions
  • More topics and applications in later chapteres
• How to Think Like a Computer Scientist: Interactive Edition
  • Similar to (and based on) Downey's Think Python
  • Many interactive exercises are embedded in the text.
  • More complete introduction to the patterns and strategies used by computer programmers.