"Invent Your Own Computer Games with Python" teaches you computer programming in the Python programming language. Each chapter gives you the complete source code for a new game and teaches the programming concepts from these examples. The book is available under a Creative Commons license and can be downloaded in full for free from http://inventwithpython.com "Invent with Python" was written to be understandable by kids as young as 10 to 12 years old, although it is great for anyone of any age who has never programmed before. This second edition has revised and expanded content, including using the Pygame library to make games with graphics, animation, and sound.
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About the Author
Albert Sweigart (but you can call him Al), is a software developer in San Francisco, California who enjoys bicycling, reading, volunteering, computer security, haunting coffee shops, and making useful software. He is originally from Houston, Texas. He finally put his University of Texas at Austin computer science degree in a frame. He is a friendly introvert, an atheist, a cat person, and fears that he is losing brain cells over time. He laughs out loud when watching park squirrels, which makes people think he's a simpleton. His childhood Nintendo habit led him into programming and all the joys that come of it. His web site and blog are located at http://coffeeghost.net
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
61 of 61 people found the following review helpful
By J. Hartley
Format:Paperback
This book is totally appropriate for someone who has never programmed before. Everything is explained, right from the ground up, in a lively, interesting style which doesn't dumb things down.
In terms of the language Python, not all aspects of the language are described - only the parts that are absolutely necessary to know to create games. A reader who wants to learn more about programming should definitely start off with this book first, and then supplementing that with other books specifically about Python (or other programming ideas) if they find they have an interest in that direction.
Topics covered
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The first ten chapters do a brilliant job of leading the reader through the creation of many small games in the text console, which cumulatively cover all the basics of programming: variables, datatypes, expressions, strings and their methods, booleans and if statements, loops, functions, variable scope, lists, dictionaries, string formatting, ASCII. You will use these to create text games such as hangman and choose your own adventure.
Chapter 11 explains Cartesian co-ordinates and some arithmetic that will be used later on.
Chapter 12 to 15 then create one new game per chapter, using the techniques learned so far, adding a great description of how to create simple but effective artificial intelligence.
Chapters 16 to 18 then break out of the text console, using the pygame library to display a window with coloured rectangles, polygons, circles and bitmaps. It then covers methods of animating these images, reading the keyboard, basic 2D collision detection, reading the mouse, bitmaps and scaled sprites, and creating music.
The final chapter caps the whole thing off with a final big game that incorporates all the techniques discussed, with music and the works.
Overall, I can wholeheartedly recommend this book for it's target market: Kids who want to learn to program, specifically so they can create their own games. Adults who have never programmed before will also find it very useful, although there may be a couple of chapters they can skim over.
Inspirational and brilliant.
In terms of the language Python, not all aspects of the language are described - only the parts that are absolutely necessary to know to create games. A reader who wants to learn more about programming should definitely start off with this book first, and then supplementing that with other books specifically about Python (or other programming ideas) if they find they have an interest in that direction.
Topics covered
--------------
The first ten chapters do a brilliant job of leading the reader through the creation of many small games in the text console, which cumulatively cover all the basics of programming: variables, datatypes, expressions, strings and their methods, booleans and if statements, loops, functions, variable scope, lists, dictionaries, string formatting, ASCII. You will use these to create text games such as hangman and choose your own adventure.
Chapter 11 explains Cartesian co-ordinates and some arithmetic that will be used later on.
Chapter 12 to 15 then create one new game per chapter, using the techniques learned so far, adding a great description of how to create simple but effective artificial intelligence.
Chapters 16 to 18 then break out of the text console, using the pygame library to display a window with coloured rectangles, polygons, circles and bitmaps. It then covers methods of animating these images, reading the keyboard, basic 2D collision detection, reading the mouse, bitmaps and scaled sprites, and creating music.
The final chapter caps the whole thing off with a final big game that incorporates all the techniques discussed, with music and the works.
Overall, I can wholeheartedly recommend this book for it's target market: Kids who want to learn to program, specifically so they can create their own games. Adults who have never programmed before will also find it very useful, although there may be a couple of chapters they can skim over.
Inspirational and brilliant.
48 of 49 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a wonderful book. I am a college professor who occasionally teaches courses for liberal arts students who are looking to fulfill a requirement of a quantitative course. I offered a game programming course in the Python programming language using Sweigart's book. The students loved this book. It starts at the very beginning and leads them, game by fascinating game, to become highly capable programmers.
The book is not just for college students. My thirteen-year-old son has been greatly enjoying the book. His biggest ambition for the coming summer is to publish a computer game. I feel deeply grateful to the author of this book for the inspiration he has given to my son and my students.
If you would like to have a great time while learning Python programming, you owe it to yourself to get a copy of this book.
The book is not just for college students. My thirteen-year-old son has been greatly enjoying the book. His biggest ambition for the coming summer is to publish a computer game. I feel deeply grateful to the author of this book for the inspiration he has given to my son and my students.
If you would like to have a great time while learning Python programming, you owe it to yourself to get a copy of this book.
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
By Sharon
Format:Paperback
I decided to learn Python as I had heard it was a good all round Programming language for a newbie. I am working my way through this book and have found it's simplicity and clarity ideal for me. It introduces the concepts in a gentle, interesting and concise way. It makes learning gradual and fun. It certainly isn't boring and as a complete beginner to programming I would definitely recommend this book.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
python is entry level programming love it
nice book love this product , wont be disappointed by it been having it for a while now couldnt be happier . fast service
Published 1 month ago by chewy62002
5.0 out of 5 stars
Using Python to build games.
I was impressed with the book. It was very interesting. Unfortunately, I haven't tried it so I can't give my views on it.
Published 3 months ago by Arthur Moe
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hello
This was a gift for my college student child, and she really liked it.
I do not know what else to say, because it was a gift.
I do not know what else to say, because it was a gift.
Published 4 months ago by Kathryn R Schall
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must for beginners in gaming
Myself I am a beginner in programming and I found this book real useful in creating games. Everything is broken down so it is simple to understand.
Published 7 months ago by Christian
5.0 out of 5 stars
Python
What a great way to introduce a bored pre-teen to computer programming. They all love their games and this is a way to show them how those games come into being. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Carolyn B. Gatliff
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good book; bad product.
This book is licensed under creative commons which means that it is free. The only thing I am buying as a customer is the paper and the ink, which is way too overpriced here.
Published 7 months ago by T
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very cool
I'm loving this book. I've never programmed before but this actually lets me do something every step of the way. Read more
Published 9 months ago by elocnosnibor
4.0 out of 5 stars
Really considered giving it 5 stars
In terms of the intention of the book ... to introduce computer programming to young programmers through games, this book is excellent. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Melissa J. Newman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Super book!
Even a kid would understand it and learn how to program. Really. I tried several other books before and I was really disappointed how hard to it was to understand everything until... Read more
Published 14 months ago by Kristina
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book for beginners / intermediate programmers
I have been studying CS for a little over two months, so I didn't have extensive programming knowledge, but I'd like to think I know what I am doing. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Stytown
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