Reddit Reddit reviews Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science

We found 26 Reddit comments about Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.

Computers & Technology
Books
Computer Science
Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science
Used Book in Good Condition
Check price on Amazon

26 Reddit comments about Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science:

u/CedarLittle · 40 pointsr/IWantToLearn

Here are two cents from an ex-software engineer and current product manager with 7 years of professional engineering experience- This is what separates successful engineers from mediocre programmers: you need to realize from the outset of your study that by learning a programming language, all you are doing is learning how to communicate with a computer. The much more interesting, challenging, and rewarding component of learning to be a good programmer lies in learning how algorithms work and can be applied to different problems. I work in digital video ad tech, and while most of my work has been on the Flash, Android, iOS, and other web-tech platforms, being able to operate in these environments is only the bare minimum requirement for being able to actually do something with them. For example, in the last three months I've needed to research graph clustering algorithms, JavaScript and Action Script memory profiling methods, and also design a first draft of a network protocol for a new system functionality we're daydreaming about. The point is that knowing how to program doesn't actually help you solve very many problems, programming is just there as a tool to be used. The moral to take away here is that you should try to widen your breadth of knowledge about how algorithms and computers work. I highly recommend this book for getting started: Python Programming by John Zelle

Ok, that was sufficiently long winded.

u/snakesarecool · 8 pointsr/learnpython

That book is designed for experienced programmers in either another language or with Python to dive deeper. It isn't meant for pure beginners. I believe the author does have an "except for the brave" caveat, but if you are brand new to programming it isn't the best book to go with.

Take a look at Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science by John Zelle. It is used as a computer science 101 textbook in several places. It teaches Python in the context of basic computer topics, so it isn't just focused on the language.

http://www.amazon.com/Python-Programming-Introduction-Computer-Science/dp/1590282418

Also, find practice projects to work on while you're learning. The Zelle book has a good amount of homework problems. Codecademy and Python Batting Practice will also take you pretty far, but you'll need to come up with something on your own.

u/SnowdogU77 · 7 pointsr/learnpython

Just to add some diversity to the potential suggestions, if you are trying to get into programming and are using Python as your gateway drug, I highly recommend Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science by John Zelle.

I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for a pure introduction into Python, as it sometimes avoids the Pythonic Way™ in favor of strategies that are more common, but it is an excellent introduction to CS/programming. The book, and the man himself, are what nurtured my love for CS.

u/ironnomi · 4 pointsr/learnprogramming

Assuming you are new to programming: https://www.edx.org/course/introduction-computer-science-mitx-6-00-1x-6j or for a dead tree resource: http://www.amazon.com/Python-Programming-Introduction-Computer-Science/dp/1590282418

If you are NOT new to programming, you'll want something like:

http://www.swaroopch.com/notes/python/

http://www.diveintopython.net/

and most likely you'll want to grab: Programming Python, 4th Ed by Mark Lutz - ultimately it's the main book you need after you learn Python. We also need a 5th Ed.

u/Awarenesss · 3 pointsr/Python
u/psiph · 3 pointsr/learnjavascript

Hello Teyk5,

I'm the author of the post you referenced. I'm looking for suggestions on my next post. I'm curious if you'd want to see another start to finish tutorial or if you'd rather see a sequel to the original post, where I explain how to add on to and refactor an application. Also, are there any particular technologies you'd want to explore? Knockout.js, Angular.js, or Ember.js for example -- or do you just want to stick with the basics for now?

I know it might be weird to recommend a Python book here, but I found that I learned a lot from just the first few chapters of this book: http://www.amazon.com/Python-Programming-Introduction-Computer-Science/dp/1590282418/ I learned about how to organize my code and how to think through from the beginning to the end when creating a new program. I would highly recommend that book if you're at all interested in Python. All the knowledge you learn there you'll be able to transfer over to Javascript (besides some of the syntax of course).

For pure Javascript stuff, I'd strongly recommend just starting your own project. It can be incredibly difficult at first, but it's by far the best and fastest way to learn if you can force yourself to stick with it. I'd also recommend checking out these two tutorials:

u/CharBram · 3 pointsr/excel

To learn SQL, start with this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Sams-Teach-Yourself-Minutes-Edition/dp/0672336073/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407993921&sr=8-1&keywords=sql+in+10+minutes

Then once you need more ideas with SQL, go to this book:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0596009763/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

For Python, I would start with this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Python-Programming-Introduction-Computer-Science/dp/1590282418/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407994104&sr=1-1&keywords=python+programming

SQL may come almost naturally to you. For me at least, the basics of SQL came rather easily. With Python, expect to be a little lost, not with the programming concepts but with setting up your computer and getting Python packages installed, etc... Once you get all that done though, you will be golden.



u/Idoiocracy · 2 pointsr/learnprogramming

I also recommend the C Programming: A Modern Approach by K.N. King. It's considerably longer than Kernighan & Ritchie's book, but does provide more explanation which can be helpful for a beginner. A Modern Approach is considered one of the best starting C books among those who read it. Your local library might have a copy of both if you want to read them cheaply.

If you wish to start with Python instead, a good book is Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science by John Zelle.

u/c3534l · 2 pointsr/learnpython

I get quite a lot from books, reading them, working through problems when I need to. But if I could go back in time and tell myself which books I should read, I'd go with (in order):

u/dream_tiger · 2 pointsr/sysadmin

I just bought this Python book, I'd recommend it for someone wanting to learn it.

http://www.amazon.com/Python-Programming-Introduction-Computer-Science/dp/1590282418/

u/ahhcarp · 2 pointsr/learnprogramming

I just bought Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science 2nd Edition.

I'm only a chapter into it, but it is basically an introduction to programming using Python 3. I essentially bought it based off the Amazon reviews, but it looks good so far (obviously taking into account that I'm barely into it so far.) I was going to school for web development and web design, but I found that many of the web development classes were along the line of "Here is someone's code. Now lets make it work for us." which doesn't teach the basics of programming if I need to do it myself. I'm currently taking some time off school to do some other projects and some basic learning about programming.

Chapters:

  1. Computers and programs
  2. Writing simple programs
  3. Computing with numbers
  4. Objects and graphs
  5. Sequences: strings, lists, and files
  6. Defining Functions
  7. Decision Structures
  8. Loop structure and booleans
  9. Simulation and design
  10. Defining classes
  11. Data collections
  12. Object-oriented design
  13. Algorithm design and recursion

    EDIT: Once you've read a book on basic programming (I see a recommendation for Code Complete too), you can search /r/python and there are several threads with free online resources to learn python more in-depth.
u/ADDMYRSN · 1 pointr/learnprogramming

I'm currently using a textbook called Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science

So far it has been really helpful explaining some concepts and has problems (with answers) to see what you've learned from each chapter.

u/[deleted] · 1 pointr/learnprogramming

With Eclipse there is a plugin for C/C++ development, same with netbeans, you also have visual studio, dev bloodshed, and a variety of text editors to choose from. I personally just use a text editor and compile in the command line which is really easy, but if you don't feel comfortable with than just try out some IDE's and see which one you like best. Eclipse isn't your only option. Try googling C++ IDE's and you should be able to work something out for yourself. In terms of C++ with eclipse, I haven't used it in a while, but you should be able to download the necessary plugin/extension directly from your IDE. Again, quick google search should sort this out for you.

In regards to game development, C++ is an industry standard cause of DirectX, but don't limit yourself to one language just because it is a standard. Plenty of awesome games have been written in a bunch of different languages so just try something out and see what works best for you. There is a bunch of great resources out there for beginners who want to learn programming AND really basic game development at the same time. This one is free: http://inventwithpython.com/ Also make use of your interactive tutorials out there like on codecademy.com

This is the book I started with and I thought it was great: http://www.amazon.com/Python-Programming-Introduction-Computer-Science/dp/1590282418/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1346873688&sr=1-1&keywords=python

Edit: Did I seriously just get downvoted for answering someone's question? really /r/learnprogramming I tell someone to check the sidebar in one thread and get downvoted, so then I answer a question instead and I get downvoted. At least be consistent.

u/kapelin · 1 pointr/Teachers

In college I took an intro course where we learned to code in Python. I liked the book a lot and felt it explained everything at a pretty basic level-http://www.amazon.com/Python-Programming-Introduction-Computer-Science/dp/1590282418/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373804276&sr=1-2&keywords=python

I realize college is not the same as high school, but maybe you could read the book and adapt it to your course. Even if you don't use it for your course, I recommend it if you want to try Python! Good luck!

u/vivepopo · 1 pointr/learnpython

http://www.amazon.com/Python-Programming-Introduction-Computer-Science/dp/1590282418/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453495465&sr=8-1&keywords=python+programming


This book really lays into the foundations of not just Python 3 but also the mindset of oop. I've been reading it for the past few weeks and its helped me out immensely.

u/Aozi · 1 pointr/learnprogramming

I would recommend Python programming: And introduction to computer science. It's a very basic book that covers fundamentals and should be enough to get you familiar with the fundamentals.

u/madwilliamflint · 1 pointr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

Good lord. That's me 30 years ago.

He doesn't go to the gym. He put that on there so he didn't seem like such an ubergamer. Same thing with skydiving and hawaii. They're "supposed to say" answers.

Ask him what kind of programming he's done (if any) and does he play WoW.

If he's a warcraft player then you want this: http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-Lua-World-Warcraft-Add-ons/dp/1430223715/ or something like it. (programming add-ons for games is a good way to get gamers to cross over in to programming.)

If he's done neither, then a book on Python programming might be a good start. (http://www.amazon.com/Python-Programming-Introduction-Computer-Science/dp/1590282418/ is supposed to be pretty good.)

u/drodspectacular · 1 pointr/Python

Depends on what you want to get out of it and how much work you want to put in, as well as what your learning style is. I prefer to read a chapter, start working on exercises, and then go back and reread the chapter. Two books came to mind:

http://www.amazon.com/Python-Programming-Introduction-Computer-Science/dp/1590282418

http://it-ebooks.info/book/2467/


The first is a much softer introduction if you don't have prior experience with programming, the second is if you want to get into the guts and details of how what you write executes and how the inherent properties of different things interact with each other. I'd recommend the first and then the second as a follow up. There's some redundancy but reinforcement of the same concepts from different perspectives makes you well rounded. Monty's suggestion is good too. What's the binary method for Monty? Can I operator overload? Lol

u/DeadAgent · 1 pointr/learnprogramming

There is a book by a guy called John Zelle named: Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science which has helped me quite a bit. There are books for several versions. Here's an Amazon Link.

u/absolutionx · 1 pointr/learnprogramming

If you're just starting to program I would highly recommend python along with the book Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science.

Python has a very easy and simple syntax so you can spend more time learning the fundamentals of programming instead of focusing on getting the syntax correct.

u/zakraye · 1 pointr/buildapc
  • What exact processor do you have?

  • Have you enabled virtualization functions in your UEFI/BIOS?

    I'm not too great at this stuff but I have dabbled in programming/sysadmin.

    It may be best to hackintosh before you do a VM. I could get a hackintosh up and running relatively easy, while I never successfully got a VM to function seamlessly without a noticeable performance hit.

    >Hackintosh is essentially a PC made into a mac, right?

    Well actually the hardware is (for the most part) identical. Some of the higher end Mac Pros use server parts and ECC RAM, but AFAIK MacBook Pros and iMacs use regular parts without ECC.

    That response might be overly complex. Short answer: for the sake of a general overall understanding, the physical components that make up Macs and PCs are functionally identical. The software that runs on them is the only difference. So really, a hackintosh is an "unauthorized" Mac! If you buy the correct hardware it's (AFAIK) functionally identical to a Macintosh. Apple writes drivers for specific hardware and if you get compatible stuff it just works. With a bit of tweaking. OS X is operating system (software) that runs on the hardware. Hypothetically you could run Windows XP on an iPhone if you wrote the code for it. Who knows? Maybe someone already has! I'm fairly certain someone's run Linux on an iOS device.

    There's some kind of DRM scheme (key and lock software or something like it) that prevents you from doing this with a vanilla installation procedure with non Apple mobos. From what I understand, if Apple didn't enforce/create this barrier you wouldn't even need to use UniBeast/MultiBeast.

    May I ask why you're thinking of using Xcode?

    Either way if you're curious about hackintoshing I would check out www.tonymacx86.com. They know a hell of a lot more about customac (hackintosh) than I do. They prefer to call it customac probably for legal reasons. And honestly it's not too bad of an idea.

    Alternative idea: if you're interested in programming check out Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science 2nd Edition. I thought it was a great book as a beginner myself, and you can use any platform that supports python, which is pretty much most modern operating systems.
u/ramwolf · 1 pointr/learnprogramming

Python is the best place to start I think. Its syntax is super easy and it helps you think systematically and gives you a good introduction to how to code. This is the book that I read and it was fantastic.

http://www.amazon.com/Python-Programming-Introduction-Computer-Science/dp/1590282418

After a little python intro then I'd move on to java

u/caindela · 1 pointr/learnprogramming

There's a lot of stuff mentioned in the FAQ, but definitely check out this article.

You could learn how to program a mobile app literally by starting there, and there's no need to go through a computer science curriculum in order to do so. Programming is an extremely broad topic, and if there's something specific that interests you then in three weeks you could be more knowledgeable about that topic than someone who's been programming for 10 years in a different problem domain.

There are quite a few general principles, but the most commonly used ones could be tackled pretty quickly using a book like Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science. Maybe spread your workload between a general book like this and something more specific like your mobile app.