What do you think?
Rate this book
Python Programming for Beginners: An Introduction to the Python Computer Language and Computer Programming
Learn Python the Easy Way, Complete with Examples and ExercisesKnowing where to start when learning a new skill can be a challenge, especially when the topic seems so vast. There can be so much information available that you can't even decide where to start. Or worse, you start down the path of learning and quickly discover too many concepts, commands, and nuances that aren't explained. This kind of experience is frustrating and leaves you with more questions than answers.
Python Programming for Beginners doesn't make any assumptions about your background or knowledge of Python or computer programming. You need no prior knowledge to benefit from this book. You will be guided step by step using a logical and systematic approach. As new concepts, commands, or jargon are encountered they are explained in plain language, making it easy for anyone to understand.
Here is what you will learn by reading Python Programming for to use Python 2 and when to use Python 3.How to install Python on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Screenshots included.How to prepare your computer for programming in Python.The various ways to run a Python program on Windows, Mac, and Linux.Suggested text editors and integrated development environments to use when coding in Python.How to work with various data types including strings, lists, tuples, dictionaries, booleans, and more.What variables are and when to use them.How to perform mathematical operations using Python.How to capture input from a user.Ways to control the flow of your programs.The importance of white space in Python.How to organize your Python programs -- Learn what goes where.What modules are, when you should use them, and how to create your own.How to define and use functions.Important built-in Python functions that you'll use often.How to read from and write to files.The difference between binary and text files.Various ways of getting help and find Python documentation.Much more...Every single code example in the book is available to download, providing you with all the Python code you need at your fingertips!Scroll up, click the Buy Now With 1 Click button and get started learning Python today!
Python Programming for Beginners doesn't make any assumptions about your background or knowledge of Python or computer programming. You need no prior knowledge to benefit from this book. You will be guided step by step using a logical and systematic approach. As new concepts, commands, or jargon are encountered they are explained in plain language, making it easy for anyone to understand.
Here is what you will learn by reading Python Programming for to use Python 2 and when to use Python 3.How to install Python on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Screenshots included.How to prepare your computer for programming in Python.The various ways to run a Python program on Windows, Mac, and Linux.Suggested text editors and integrated development environments to use when coding in Python.How to work with various data types including strings, lists, tuples, dictionaries, booleans, and more.What variables are and when to use them.How to perform mathematical operations using Python.How to capture input from a user.Ways to control the flow of your programs.The importance of white space in Python.How to organize your Python programs -- Learn what goes where.What modules are, when you should use them, and how to create your own.How to define and use functions.Important built-in Python functions that you'll use often.How to read from and write to files.The difference between binary and text files.Various ways of getting help and find Python documentation.Much more...Every single code example in the book is available to download, providing you with all the Python code you need at your fingertips!Scroll up, click the Buy Now With 1 Click button and get started learning Python today!
151 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2014
1137 people are currently reading
524 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 29, 2017
Nice and clean book, very good and brief introduction to Python.
December 17, 2019
This is a good book to get someone used to programming by way of Python. It walks through basic principles of Python with a lot of examples and references. There are some typos and sometimes the examples don't work out. At that point you just have to move on. Good book for learning the basics and a beginner.
January 9, 2026
A decent introduction
This book provides a quick overview of basic Python programming for beginners, just like it claims.
However, it might be more beneficial for some users if they already have a prior programming background or a clear idea of what they actually want to do with Python. Without those, the examples in this book can be difficult to contextualize.
This book provides a quick overview of basic Python programming for beginners, just like it claims.
However, it might be more beneficial for some users if they already have a prior programming background or a clear idea of what they actually want to do with Python. Without those, the examples in this book can be difficult to contextualize.
July 13, 2018
Good for beginner programmers
This is a good book to get someone used to programming by way of Python. As the title says, it's a book for beginners, not intermediate or advanced programmers. It walks through basic principles of Python with a lot of examples and references.
This is a good book to get someone used to programming by way of Python. As the title says, it's a book for beginners, not intermediate or advanced programmers. It walks through basic principles of Python with a lot of examples and references.
October 15, 2018
Good intro
A very good way to get your feet wet in programming with python very simple and to the point if you’re unsure if you want to venture into python this is a good book to get as it’s short and simple. If you’re looking for advanced stuff look elsewhere.
A very good way to get your feet wet in programming with python very simple and to the point if you’re unsure if you want to venture into python this is a good book to get as it’s short and simple. If you’re looking for advanced stuff look elsewhere.
January 18, 2020
Amazing introductory Python book.
It worth every pennies! I took all the Udemy courses of Jason Cannon. Great author and great teacher. Thank you for your wonderful teaching methods.
It worth every pennies! I took all the Udemy courses of Jason Cannon. Great author and great teacher. Thank you for your wonderful teaching methods.
February 27, 2023
A very clean read to get a novice up and running with basic terms and structures of python programming. I found the book to be very helpful. From your first introduction to file handling Jason instructs and explains in easy to understand terms.
July 22, 2017
Excelente para enterarse de los primeros pasos con la sintaxis del lenguaje. Nada fuera de lo común, pero lo suficiente como para entender los lineamientos del lenguaje.
July 24, 2018
Lots of typos, still good for what it sets out to be. Helpful foundational material, although there are better YouTube tutorials.
August 6, 2018
Python programing
A good book not for absolute beginners. It contains good examples in each chapter. One good thing is it has links at the end of every chapter such is very useful
A good book not for absolute beginners. It contains good examples in each chapter. One good thing is it has links at the end of every chapter such is very useful
October 4, 2018
Straight to the point
Good book, easy introduction to the basic of python. Clear and easy with load of examples and exercises.
Maybe a section on object oriented ....
Good book, easy introduction to the basic of python. Clear and easy with load of examples and exercises.
Maybe a section on object oriented ....
April 11, 2021
Great examples!
Great basics & example programs! Easy to follow. Extra links are helpful and the challenges are not too difficult, but allow for hands-on guided learning.
Great basics & example programs! Easy to follow. Extra links are helpful and the challenges are not too difficult, but allow for hands-on guided learning.
Read
May 18, 2022helpful read for what I was looking for
December 16, 2022
Good reasonable text
A pretty simple text that is easy to read with good examples. Easy reading and addresses most aspects of using Python productively.
A pretty simple text that is easy to read with good examples. Easy reading and addresses most aspects of using Python productively.
March 31, 2025
Good refresher of the basics. Easy to follow, clear and concise
March 10, 2017
What a lovely cover in this edition! I bought the 2016 version and the cartoonic snake in the cover was replaced by a real one. Sort of pity. The book is very easy to read and give confidence to computer noobs. The content is interpreted very clearly and make reader have desire to finish it quickly. Finally some advice, the help command should be taught earlier.
September 1, 2021
According to Goodreads, I read this book on December 10, 2015. And according to Goodreads, at the time I gave it a 5-star rating, but no review. I guess that makes it easier to update since there's no review to amend. Revisiting it some 5 years later, I'm a little reluctant to place it at that same level but I think it still makes a decent 4-star intro book.
What do you look for in an intro book? Not just programming, but any topic? Let's make a quick list. Easy for outsiders to understand? Check. Interesting exercises that aren't over challenging for beginners? Check. No mistakes? Well, the examples with the talking cat don't escape backslashes, which I believe is the preferred practice in Python, but I guess that's good enough. Check. Reasonable coverage of material a beginner should learn (data types, loops, conditionals...)? Check. Okay, so it checks all the right boxes, where could it improve?
It's not fundamentally flawed but it seems a bit overpriced for what it delivers. I think I paid $22 for this in 2015. That's a pretty small investment to get started in a new programming language. However, it's pretty steep for this particular book given that books in that price range typically deliver maybe twice the content. Compare this with Introduction to Networking by Charles Severance, a book about the same size and aimed and a similar technical level, which I purchased this year for $10 (and arguably contains more content). I'm not suggesting the cost should be set on word count (more likely the opposite!), but that was a general feeling I had reading through it this second time. This is subjective, but I seemed to always be aware of the font size, the feeling of excessive white space padding, and at once the sense that content was too mashed together without room to breathe. Maybe another font or formatting tool would help, but the design felt closer to a tech manual than my other tutorial books. Also, it would probably be wise to put the problem solutions at the end of the book, not immediately following the question... or at least on the following page. It takes away the challenge when the solution is within range of eye drift. These aren't critical flaws, but definitely room for improvement on another edition.
There are tons of free resources on programming, especially on Python as it's one of the most popular languages of the last 10 years. If you don't mind the price tag, it's a good place to get started.
What do you look for in an intro book? Not just programming, but any topic? Let's make a quick list. Easy for outsiders to understand? Check. Interesting exercises that aren't over challenging for beginners? Check. No mistakes? Well, the examples with the talking cat don't escape backslashes, which I believe is the preferred practice in Python, but I guess that's good enough. Check. Reasonable coverage of material a beginner should learn (data types, loops, conditionals...)? Check. Okay, so it checks all the right boxes, where could it improve?
It's not fundamentally flawed but it seems a bit overpriced for what it delivers. I think I paid $22 for this in 2015. That's a pretty small investment to get started in a new programming language. However, it's pretty steep for this particular book given that books in that price range typically deliver maybe twice the content. Compare this with Introduction to Networking by Charles Severance, a book about the same size and aimed and a similar technical level, which I purchased this year for $10 (and arguably contains more content). I'm not suggesting the cost should be set on word count (more likely the opposite!), but that was a general feeling I had reading through it this second time. This is subjective, but I seemed to always be aware of the font size, the feeling of excessive white space padding, and at once the sense that content was too mashed together without room to breathe. Maybe another font or formatting tool would help, but the design felt closer to a tech manual than my other tutorial books. Also, it would probably be wise to put the problem solutions at the end of the book, not immediately following the question... or at least on the following page. It takes away the challenge when the solution is within range of eye drift. These aren't critical flaws, but definitely room for improvement on another edition.
There are tons of free resources on programming, especially on Python as it's one of the most popular languages of the last 10 years. If you don't mind the price tag, it's a good place to get started.
February 15, 2017
Good source of information
If you are a very beginner, this book will be great! If you already have some experience with python(my case) you'll miss something.
It's a good asset for your knowledge, I recommend!
If you are a very beginner, this book will be great! If you already have some experience with python(my case) you'll miss something.
It's a good asset for your knowledge, I recommend!
April 11, 2015
It was a very quick read for someone experienced in other programming languages. It was just an introduction and was exactly what I was looking for. If you're already familiar with object-oriented or functional programming, this should be a very quick read and give the push you'd want to get started programming in this language.
Would have liked it to cover a bit about Google App Engine, but since it wasn't advertised as doing that, no stars withheld for not doing it.
Would have liked it to cover a bit about Google App Engine, but since it wasn't advertised as doing that, no stars withheld for not doing it.
October 4, 2020
Got My Feet Wet
This is not a book to just sit down and read. It has many examples and problems for you to practice coding with Python. If you want a good starting place then I recommend this book. Jason Cannon knows his stuff inside and out and sideways too! Take your time and learn.
This is not a book to just sit down and read. It has many examples and problems for you to practice coding with Python. If you want a good starting place then I recommend this book. Jason Cannon knows his stuff inside and out and sideways too! Take your time and learn.
January 23, 2017
Covers everything nicely at an introductory level
Definitely worth it and you get a few helpful tricks along the way. Doesn't really go very deep but a good primer and decent basic reference.
Definitely worth it and you get a few helpful tricks along the way. Doesn't really go very deep but a good primer and decent basic reference.
April 5, 2015
Easy to understand
Easy to follow. One can learn something new even he has some experiences in python. The examples are concise and the questions after chapters all have solutions.
Easy to follow. One can learn something new even he has some experiences in python. The examples are concise and the questions after chapters all have solutions.
April 2, 2016
So so beginner
Just a basically Python tutorial may take you one or two hours, it may not so useful to experienced. ;(
Just a basically Python tutorial may take you one or two hours, it may not so useful to experienced. ;(
December 29, 2021
Like other Jasons books - covers all that is to refresh and kick off the subject
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews