An Introduction to Python and Computer Programming

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-x

   PDF

2. An Introduction to Python and Computer Programming

   • Yue Zhang

   Pages 1-11

3. Using Python as a Calculator

   • Yue Zhang

   Pages 13-36

4. The First Python Program

   • Yue Zhang

   Pages 37-65

5. Branching and Looping

   • Yue Zhang

   Pages 67-95

6. Problem Solving Using Branches and Loops

   • Yue Zhang

   Pages 97-126

7. Functions

   • Yue Zhang

   Pages 127-156

8. Lists and Mutability

   • Yue Zhang

   Pages 157-185

9. Sequences, Mappings and Sets

   • Yue Zhang

   Pages 187-215

10. Problem Solving Using Lists and Functions

    • Yue Zhang

    Pages 217-244

11. Classes

    • Yue Zhang

    Pages 245-277

12. Summary

    • Yue Zhang

    Pages 279-295

This book introduces Python programming language and fundamental concepts in algorithms and computing. Its target audience includes students and engineers with little or no background in programming, who need to master a practical programming language and learn the basic thinking in computer science/programming. The main contents come from lecture notes for engineering students from all disciplines, and has received high ratings. Its materials and ordering have been adjusted repeatedly according to classroom reception. Compared to alternative textbooks in the market, this book introduces the underlying Python implementation of number, string, list, tuple, dict, function, class, instance and module objects in a consistent and easy-to-understand way, making assignment, function definition, function call, mutability and binding environments understandable inside-out. By giving the abstraction of implementation mechanisms, this book builds a solid understanding of the Python programming language.

• Algorithms and Computing
• Computer Programming
• Data Organization
• Flow Control
• Learning Python
• Module Objects
• Mutability
• Python Language
• Python Syntax

“There are 11 chapters, each of which has a selection of exercises at the end. The problems are well written and generally increase in complexity. … Tailored to the instructor, it provides a good foundation.” (David Bellin, Computing Reviews, October, 2015)

• Singapore Univ of Technology and Design, Singapore, Singapore

  Yue Zhang

Dr. Yue Zhang is an Assistant Professor at Singapore University of Technology and Design. Before joining SUTD in 2012, he worked as a postdoctoral research assistant at University of Cambridge. Yue Zhang received his DPhil and MSSc degrees from University of Oxford and his BEng degree from Tsinghua University, China. Yue Zhang has been class tutors of programming languages at Oxford and Cambridge and has been teaching and leading computer science courses at SUTD.

Policies and ethics