Python Crash Course is a fast-paced, thorough introduction to Python that 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 about basic programming concepts, such as lists, dictionaries, classes, and loops, and practice writing clean and readable code with exercises for each topic. You’ll also learn how to make your programs interactive and how to test your code safely before adding it to a project. In the second half of the book, you’ll put your new knowledge into practice with three substantial projects: a Space Invaders–inspired arcade game, data visualizations with Python’s super-handy libraries, and a simple web app you can deploy online.

As you work through Python Crash Course you’ll learn how to:
–Use powerful Python libraries and tools, including matplotlib, NumPy, and Pygal
–Make 2D games that respond to keypresses and mouse clicks, and that grow more difficult as the game progresses
–Work with 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 seriously about digging into programming, Python Crash Course will get you up to speed and have you writing real programs fast. Why wait any longer? Start your engines and code!

Uses Python 2 and 3

Reviews

Recommended reading for a “shining tech career” by Techradar India

Python Crash Course was selected as one of the best books for learning Python by Real Python
“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

About the Author

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

Acknowledgments Introduction Part I: Basics 1 Getting Started 2 Variables And Simple Data Types 3 Introducing Lists 4 Working With Lists 5 If Statements 6 Dictionaries 7 User Input And While Loops 8 Functions 9 Classes 10 Files And Exceptions 11 Testing Your Code Part II: Projects Project 1: Alien Invasion 12 A Ship That Fires Bullets 13 Aliens! 14 Scoring Project 2: Data Visualization 15 Generating Data 16 Downloading Data 17 Working With APIS Project 3: Web Applications 18 Getting Started With Django 19 User Accounts 20 Styling And Deploying An App Afterword A Installing Python B Text Editors C Getting Help D Using GIT For Version Control Index