Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition

Second edition of the best selling Python book in the world. A fast-paced, no-nonsense guide to programming in Python. This book teaches beginners the basics of programming in Python with a focus on real projects. This is the second edition of the best selling Python book in the world. Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition is a straightforward introduction to the core of Python programming. Author Eric Matthes dispenses with the sort of tedious, unnecessary information that can get in the way of learning how to program, choosing instead to provide a foundation in general programming concepts, Python fundamentals, and problem solving. Three real world projects in the second part of the book allow readers to apply their knowledge in useful ways. Readers will learn how to create a simple video game, use data visualization techniques to make graphs and charts, and build and deploy an interactive web application. Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition teaches beginners the essentials of Python quickly so that they can build practical programs and develop powerful programming techniques.

“It has been interesting to see, over the last few years, No Starch Press, which produces this book, growing and producing future classics that should be alongside the more traditional O’Reilly Press programming books. Python Crash Course is one of those books.”
—Greg Laden, ScienceBlogs

“All of these projects are well thought out and presented in such a way that learning the subject matter and implementing it is much more an enjoyable pastime rather than an onerous task that must be completed. Eric took the time to deal with some rather complex projects and lay them out in a consistent, logical and pleasant manner that draws the reader into the subject willingly, which unfortunately, many authors fail to do.”
—Full Circle Magazine

“The book is well presented with good explanations of the code snippets. It works with you, one small step at a time, building more complex code, explaining what's going on all the way.”
—FlickThrough Reviews

“Learning Python with Python Crash Course was an extremely positive experience! A great choice if you’re new to Python.”
—Mikke Goes Coding

"While Python Crash Course uses Python to teach you to code, it also teaches clean programming skills that apply to most other languages."
—Great Lakes Geek

"It does what it says on the tin, and it does it really well. If you want a crash course in Python, fear not!!! The Python Crash Course is an excellent book that provides a thorough introduction to Python that will have you writing programs and solving problems in no time!"
—Technical YA, Best Books to Learn Python Language in 2021

"Brilliant."
—Anna Yukhtenko, Senior Games Analyst at Hutch

"I recommend this book to anyone learning python. It is my best resource so far."
—Firdaus H. Salim, @BetaScribbles

"The fastest way to learn Python."
—Learning Python, Youtuber

"Eric Matthes's passion for teaching really shines through . . . Clearly introduces every new concept."
—makes sense, YouTuber

Autorentext
Eric Matthes is a high school math and science teacher living in Alaska who teaches an Introduction to Programming class in Python. He has been writing programs since he was five years old.

Klappentext

Second edition of the best-selling Python book in the world. A fast-paced, no-nonsense guide to programming in Python. Updated and thoroughly revised to reflect the latest in Python code and practices.

Python Crash Course is the world's best-selling guide to the Python programming language. This fast-paced, thorough introduction to programming with Python will have you writing programs, solving problems, and making things that work in no time.

In the first half of the book, you'll learn basic programming concepts, such as variables, lists, classes, and loops, and practice writing clean code with exercises for each topic. You'll also learn how to make your programs interactive and test your code safely before adding it to a project. In the second half, you'll put your new knowledge into practice with three substantial projects: a Space Invaders-inspired arcade game, a set of data visualizations with Python's handy libraries, and a simple web app you can deploy online.

As you work through the book, you'll learn how to:
• Use powerful Python libraries and tools, including Pygame, Matplotlib, Plotly, and Django
• Make 2D games that respond to keypresses and mouse clicks, and that increase in difficulty
• Use data to generate interactive visualizations
• Create and customize web apps and deploy them safely online
• Deal with mistakes and errors so you can solve your own programming problems

If you've been thinking about digging into programming, Python Crash Course will get you writing real programs fast. Why wait any longer? Start your engines and code!

Zusammenfassung
A fast-paced, no-nonsense guide to programming in Python.

Inhalt
Preface to the Second Edition
Introduction

PART I: Basics
Chapter 1: Getting Started
Chapter 2: Variables and Simple Data Types
Chapter 3: Introducing Lists
Chapter 4: Working with Lists
Chapter 5: if Statements
Chapter 6: Dictionaries
Chapter 7: User Input and while Loops
Chapter 8: Functions
Chapter 9: Classes
Chapter 10: Files and Exceptions
Chapter 11: Testing Your Code

PART II: Projects

Project 1: Alien Invasion
Chapter 12: A Ship that Fires Bullets
Chapter 13: Aliens!
Chapter 14: Scoring

Project 2: Data Visualization
Chapter 15: Generating Data
Chapter 16: Downloading Data
Chapter 17: Working with APIs

Project 3: Web Applications
Chapter 18: Getting Started with Django
Chapter 19: User Accounts
Chapter 20: Styling and Deploying an App

Afterword

Appendix A: Installing Python
Appendix B: Text Editors
Appendix C: Getting Help
Appendix D: Using Git for Version Control