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Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science | 
 enlarge | Author: John M. Zelle
Publisher: Franklin Beedle & Associates
Category: Book
List Price: $40.00
Buy New: $24.69
You Save: $15.31 (38%)
New (20) Used (19) from $24.69
Avg. Customer Rating:  26 reviews
Sales Rank: 37713
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 517
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.9
Dimensions (in): 9.2 x 7.5 x 1
ISBN: 1887902996
Dewey Decimal Number: 005.133
EAN: 9781887902991
ASIN: 1887902996
Publication Date: December 2003
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
This book is designed to be used as the primary textbook in a college-level first course in computing. It takes a fairly traditional approach, emphasizing problem solving, design, and programming as the core skills of computer science. However, these ideas are illustrated using a non-traditional language, namely Python. Although I use Python as the language, teaching Python is not the main point of this book. Rather, Python is used to illustrate fundamental principles of design and programming that apply in any language or computing environment. In some places, I have purposely avoided certain Python features and idioms that are not generally found in other languages. There are already many good books about Python on the market; this book is intended as an introduction to computing. Features include the following:
*Extensive use of computer graphics.
*Interesting examples.
*Readable prose.
*Flexible spiral coverage.
*Just-in-time object coverage.
*Extensive end-of-chapter problems.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 21 more reviews...
 Best Intro to Computer Science October 5, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I've procrastinated learning computer science for a long time, as I never thought I could self teach. I've bought many books so called "Beginner Books" only to never be able to get past chapter 1. After receiving the advice of learning Python as my first language, I stumbled upon this book and ordered it due to the number of high reviews.
I have entered a whole new world. Zelle's book is so wonderfully written and aimed for the complete novice. Everything is explained in such easy and direct ways to understand. For anyone looking to break into the world of programming, this is the place to start.
Excellent introductory book, but not advanced September 3, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I am about 200 pages into this book. I have some scripting experience (Javascript), but not an awful lot. I have no real OOP experience as Javascript is more object-based than OO.
I like Zelle's approach. He takes it simply and relatively slowly. The chapter exercises and discussion questions are what impress me the most. One of my major beefs with programming books is the lack of exercises. This book does not fail here. The exercises are thoughtful and build on themselves (i.e. there are various programs which you continually revise as you learn new techniques). My only problem is that I have not found recommended solutions for the problems. These may be available on the web but I haven't dug around.
All in all, it's a good introduction to concepts of programming. If you have some basic experience you may not have to go over all the material.
Oustanding Python and CS Intro August 29, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I'm a computer science PhD student and computational biologist who is looking to convert from Perl to Python in order to create more readable and maintainable code.
Python is a beautiful language and this is a beautiful book. Python was based on the ABC programming language which was intended for teaching or prototyping. Python kept the the ease of use of ABC but allowed one to create "real world" applications.
Zelle nails that Python concept by teaching CS and programming concepts by creating "real world" applications that don't get bogged down in too many syntax and implementation details.
"Simple" programs that teach important concepts while having code that one can easily see adapted to a working app is a great way to teach. If I ever teach an intro to CS class I'll likely use Zelle's book and will definitely use Python and adapt his style of simultaneously pedantic and "real world" examples.
excellent instructor resource July 24, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I use this as a supplementary text for a computational chemistry class. It's simply excellent and student-friendly. You can't go wrong with this one.
Introduction to Computer Science using Python by John Zelle July 12, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
As a person, who has taken 4 programming courses in 4 different languages, but is basically a novice, this text was a revelation to me and explained the basics of computer science much more clearly than my previous courses. It has been invaluable in preparing the first course that I have ever attempted to teach in this area. I am sure that I will have something negative to say after using it for awhile, but, at present, I am greatly impressed.
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