Begin to Code with Python

Description

• The latest title in a new series of full-colour programming books, designed from the ground up to empower today’s beginners
• Offers a creative, hands-on approach to help students learn Python
• Packed with “Make Something Happen” exercises to help students show off growing skills and build original code
• Reflects deep analysis of what hasn’t worked in other beginner’s guides, and innovative thinking about how to teach programming more effectively

Rob Miles has taught computer programming for over 30 years. A Microsoft MVP for Windows Development, Rob enjoys inspiring programmers at all levels. He writes his own games, programs, and poetry, has consulted on many commercial software projects, and is the author of Begin to Code with C#.

Part 1: Programming fundamentals

Chapter 1 Starting with Python

Chapter 2 Python and Programming

Chapter 3 Python program structure

Chapter 4 Working with variables

Chapter 5 Making decisions in programs

Chapter 6 Repeating actions with loops

Chapter 7 Using functions to simplify programs

Chapter 8 Storing collections of data

Part 2: Advanced programming

Chapter 9 Use classes to store data

Chapter 10 Use classes to create active objects

Chapter 11 Object-based solution design

Chapter 12 Python applications

Part 3: Useful Python (Digital-only)

Chapter 13 Python and Graphical User Interfaces

Chapter 14 Python programs as network clients

Chapter 15 Python programs as network servers

Chapter 16 Create games with pygame

• The latest title in Microsoft’s new series of full-color programming books, designed from the ground up to empower today’s beginners!
• By the proven author of Begin to Code with C#: the first beginner’s guide to give you creative, hands-on input into how you learn Python
• Packed with “Make Something Happen” exercises to show off your growing skills and help you build original code
• Reflects deep analysis of what hasn’t worked in other beginner’s guides, and innovative thinking about how to teach programming more effectively
• A perfect complement to any other book or course on Python

This full-colour book will inspire you to start solving problems and creating programs with Python, even if you have absolutely no programming experience. It’s not just friendly and easy: it’s the first Python beginner’s guide that puts you in control of your own learning, and empowers you to build unique programs to solve problems you care about.

Microsoft has completely reinvented the beginning programmer’s tutorial, reflecting deep research into how today’s beginners learn, and why other books fall short. Begin to Code with Python is packed with innovations, including its “Snaps” library of pre-built operations that are easy to combine your own unique programs, Cookie Cutter templates that give you a flying start, and “Make Something Happen” projects that help you build skills by creating your own programs, not programs someone else has handed you.

Throughout, Begin to Code with Python balances playful exposition and illustration of programming fundamentals with your own creative input – and you’ll never be more than a page or two away from making something unique and personal to you. It will help you…

• Understand the basics of coding, from simple data storage to more complex and useful programs
• Discover how Python works using the Visual Studio environment
• Master advanced techniques, including classes and object-based solutions design
• Extend your code with Python’s powerful libraries
• Build web and cloud-based applications, as well as graphical user interfaces and games
• Test and debug your code with “What can go wrong” sections
• Understand the social aspects of professional development, and build career-ready skills from the start

Become a Python programmer–and have fun doing it!

Start writing software that solves real problems, even if you have absolutely no programming experience! This friendly, easy, full-color book puts you in total control of your own learning, empowering you to build unique and useful programs. Microsoft has completely reinvented the beginning programmer’s tutorial, reflecting deep research into how today’s beginners learn, and why other books fall short. Begin to Code with Python is packed with innovations, from its “Snaps” prebuilt operations to its “Make Something Happen” projects. Whether you’re a total beginner or you’ve tried before, this guide will put the power, excitement, and fun of programming where it belongs: in your hands!

Easy, friendly, and you’re in control! Learn how to…

• Get, install, and use powerful free tools to create modern Python programs
• Learn key concepts from 170 sample programs, and use them to jumpstart your own
• Discover exactly what happens when a program runs
• Approach program development with a professional perspective
• Learn the core elements of the Python language
• Build more complex software with classes, methods, and objects
• Organize programs so they’re easy to build and improve
• Capture and respond to user input
• Store and manipulate many types of real-world data
• Define custom data types to solve specific problems
• Create interactive games that are fun to play
• Build modern web and cloud-based applications
• Use pre-built libraries to quickly create powerful software

Get code samples, including complete apps, at:

https://aka.ms/BegintoCodePython/downloads

About This Book

• For absolute beginners who’ve never written a line of code
• For anyone who’s been frustrated with other beginning programming books or courses
• For people who’ve started out with other languages and now want to learn Python
• Works with Windows PC, Apple Mac, Linux PC, or Raspberry Pi
• Includes mapping of MTA exam objectives that are covered in this book, as well as an appendix with further explanation of some of the topics on the exam

Additional information