Python for Rookies

Description

Python for Rookies is designed to help students learn how to program.

Using the Python language as a tool, the approach taken teaches students the fundamentals of programming and re-enforces good programming practice. Written for students studying a variety of degree subjects such as Games Technology, Creative Computing and Multimedia (where core Computer Science is applied to the Arts) the pace and breadth would also be suitable for a one semester introductory programming course for all computing undergraduates. We hope that the example programs, chosen to enliven and motivate will also be very relevant to a range of courses and the varied ambitions of people who need to acquire programming skills.

The book covers programming from small script-style applications to larger pieces of software. The emphasis remains on problem-solving, even through the introduction of common libraries and object-oriented programming.

Test-oriented development is an integral part of programming and learning how to incorporate a unit test early on will take away the frustrations of producing buggy software that doesn?t run. It will provide a framework to support your learning of programming.

CONTENTS:

Part 1 - BASICS

1. Getting Started

2. Programming Fundamentals

3. Structuring with Functions

Part II - HARNESSING ABSTRACTION

4. Control Flow

5. Structuring State

6. Function and Modules

7. Classes & Objects

8. Class Relationships

Part III - THE PROGRAMMING PROCESS

9. Testing

10 unittest and py.test

11. Test Driven Development

Part IV - GENERAL TOOLS OF THE TRADE

12. Algorithms

13. Data Structures

PART V - INTRODUCING SOME USEFUL MODULES

14. Doing Multiple Things using Threads

15. Manipulating Images

16. Writing Games