Python Programming for the Absolute Beginner, Second Edition [Paperback]

Michael Dawson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 8, 2005 | ISBN-10: 1598631128 | ISBN-13: 978-1598631128 | Edition: 2

Ready to learn Python programming? Are you new to programming with Python? Do you need a solid introduction to the fundamental concepts? You've found it in "Python Programming for the Absolute Beginner, Second Edition," the updated version of the successful "Python Programming for the Absolute Beginner." As part of the for the absolute beginner series developed by computer science instructors exclusively for Cengage Learning Course Technology PTR, this book will teach you the basics of Python programming through simple game creation. You can then take the skills you learn and use them for more practical Python programming applications and real-world programming scenarios. Better still, by the time you finish this book you will be able to apply the basic principles you've learned to the next programming language you tackle. Create simple, fun games while you learn to program with Python.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Michael Dawson has worked as both a programmer and a computer game designer and producer. In addition to real-world game industry experience, Dawson earned his bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of Southern California. He currently teaches game programming and design to students of all ages through UCLA Extension courses and private lessons. Visit his Web site at www.programgames.com to learn more or to get support for any of his books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 472 pages
• Publisher: Course Technology PTR; 2 edition (November 8, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1598631128
• ISBN-13: 978-1598631128
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #372,728 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Michael Dawson has worked as both a programmer and a computer game designer and producer. In addition to real world game industry experience, Mike earned his bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of Southern California. Currently, he teaches game programming in the Game Production Department of the Los Angeles Film School. Mike has also taught game programming to students through UCLA Extension and The Digital Media Academy at Stanford. He's the author of three other books: Beginning C++ through Game Programming, Guide to Programming with Python, and C++

Projects: Programming with Text-Based Games. You can visit his website at www.programgames.com to learn more or to get support for any of his books.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars great fro the beginner, April 4, 2007

By 

Eric S Keller "robotball" (West Hollywood, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Python Programming for the Absolute Beginner, Second Edition (Paperback)

I actually started with the O'reilly books and they are great, but if your new to programming/scripting, this book is a better place to start. It will get you up and running with Python fast. yeah, its easy, but I think that's the point (hence the title "Absolute Beginners"). The exercises are fun and get the concepts across very well. If you've mastered other languages, go with O'reilly. if you are new to coding start with this book.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Teaching Kids, May 9, 2006

By 

C. L. West (Western USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Python Programming for the Absolute Beginner, Second Edition (Paperback)

I have been using this to teach my nephew Python. It is a great place to start as it gets very quickly to something visual to keep kids interested, while at the same time covering lots of useful ideas and concepts. If you want to show a beginner how quickly they can actually produce a real game with their own flavor on it, this is the book.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars book's title says what it is, September 7, 2008

By 

William J. Carpenter (Pacific Northwest, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Python Programming for the Absolute Beginner, Second Edition (Paperback)

This is a good first book on programming for a junior high school kid or a motivated elementary school kid.

If you are a programmer looking to learn the Python language, this book is not for you. It's not intended to be for you, and you will find it slow-paced and tedious. Instead, as its title says, it's for people who want to learn to program, and Python is the weapon of choice for this author. I'm a long-time professional software guy, and I bought this book as a possible tutorial for my kids. It is pretty amazingly good for that. The sample programs are realistic enough. They're also short enough that someone can type them in as they go along. The author takes the reader all the way from "no experience required" all the way through OOP. Each step is gentle and encouraging. Along the way, the author points out what is a requirement and what is just convention. Computer jargon is explained in comfortable terms for the beginner.