Page Tools:
  • print-friendly version

Python Programming in Context

Author(s): Bradley N. Miller, PhD, Luther College
David L. Ranum, PhD, Luther College
Details:
  • ISBN-13: 9780763746025
  • ISBN-10:0763746029
  • Paperback    492 pages      © 2009
Price: International Sales $122.95 US List
Add to Cart Request a Review Copy

Overview

With NEW Python 3.0!

A user-friendly, object-oriented language, Python is quickly becoming the favorite introductory programming language among students and instructors.  Many find Python to be a more lucid language than Java but with much of the functionality and therefore the ideal first language for those entering the world of Computer Science. Python Programming in Context is a clear, accessible introduction to the fundamental programming and problem solving concepts necessary for students at this level. The authors carefully build upon the many important computer science concepts and problem solving techniques throughout the text and offer relevant, real-world examples and exercises to reinforce key material.  Programming skills throughout the text are linked to applied areas such as Image Processing, Cryptography, Astronomy, Music, the Internet, and Bioinformatics, giving students a well rounded look of its capabilities.   

Source Code for Python Programming in Context 

ShowKey Features

Includes the latest version of Python, Python 3.0!

The text is structured around problem solving rather than language features and therefore includes problems of general interest rather than a traditional language element structure. 

The text is organized into three natural parts: Chapters 1 thru 5 introduce all of the key control structures and Python data types; Chapters 6 thru 9 build upon those key concepts and provides students with an opportunity to get more comfortable with basic programming concepts while introducing additional problem solving patterns; the last chapters emphasize object oriented programming and introduce the concepts needed to design and build classes.

Provides three kinds of exercises throughout the text: In the first, students run code that has been presented as a part of the section. These exercises ask students use the code to learn or explore on their own. The second requires students to modify, extend or improve upon the code provided in the section. The third section includes programming exercises at the end of each chapter that provide complete projects for in-class or homework assignments.

Back to top

ShowTable of Contents

Chapter 1:   Introduction
Chapter 2:   pi-thon
Chapter 3:   Codes and Other Secrets
Chapter 4:   A Nest of Snakes: Introducing the Python Collections
Chapter 5:   Earthquakes, Floods, and Other Natural Disasters
Chapter 6:   Pycture Perfect Programs
Chapter 7:   Data Mining: Cluster Analysis
Chapter 8:   Cryptanalysis
Chapter 9:   Fractals: The Geometry of Nature
Chapter 10: Astronomy
Chapter 11: Bears, Fish, and Plants, Oh My!
Chapter 12: Your Father Was a Rectangle
Chapter 13: Video Games
  


Back to top

ShowAbout the Author(s)

Bradley N. Miller, PhD-Luther College

Additional Titles by this Author

David L. Ranum, PhD-Luther College

Back to top

ShowAppropriate Courses

Appropriate for a CSI level introductory programming course using Python as the introductory language.

Back to top

ShowSamples & Additional Resources

ShowResources

Back to top