Python Crash Course: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming

548 Pages·2019·6.69 MB·English

by  Eric Matthes

2ND EDITION
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Python Crash Course is the world’s best-selling guide • Create and customize web apps and deploy them TT
to the Python programming language. This fast-paced, safely online HH A H A N D S - O N , P R O J E C T - B A S E D
thorough introduction to programming with Python will
• Deal with mistakes and errors so you can solve your I N T R O D U C T I O N T O P R O G R A M M I N G
have you writing programs, solving problems, and OO
own programming problems
making things that work in no time.
This updated second edition has been thoroughly revised NN
In the first half of the book, you’ll learn basic program-
to reflect the latest in Python code and practices. The
ming concepts, such as variables, lists, classes, and E R I C M A T T H E S
first half of the book includes improved coverage of CC
loops, and practice writing clean code with exercises
topics like f-strings, constants, and managing data. In the
for each topic. You’ll also learn how to make your
second half, the code for the projects has been updated RR
programs interactive and test your code safely before
with better structure, cleaner syntax, and more popular
adding it to a project. In the second half, you’ll put and up-to-date libraries and tools, like Plotly and the AA
your new knowledge into practice with three substantial
latest version of Django. (For a full list of updates, see
projects: a Space Invaders–inspired arcade game, a SS
the Preface.)
set of data visualizations with Python’s handy libraries,
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and a simple web app you can deploy online. If you’ve been thinking about digging into programming,
Python Crash Course will get you writing real programs
As you work through the book, you’ll learn how to: fast. Why wait any longer? Start your engines and code! CC
• Use powerful Python libraries and tools, including
ABOUT THE AUTHOR OO
Pygame, Matplotlib, Plotly, and Django
• Make 2D games that respond to keypresses and Eric Matthes is a high school science, math, and program- UU
ming teacher living in Alaska. He has been writing
mouse clicks, and that increase in difficulty
programs since he was five years old and is the author RR
• Use data to generate interactive visualizations of the Python Flash Cards, also from No Starch Press.
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PRAISE FOR Python Crash Course
“It has been interesting to see No Starch Press producing future
classics that should be alongside the more traditional programming
books. Python Crash Course is one of those books.”
—GreG Laden, ScienceBLoGS
“Deals with some rather complex projects and lays them out in a con-
sistent, logical, and pleasant manner that draws the reader into the
subject.”
—FuLL circLe MaGazine
“Well presented with good explanations of the code snippets. The
book 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
“Does what it says on the tin, and does it really well. . . . Presents a
large number of useful exercises as well as three challenging and
entertaining projects.”
—reaLPyThon.coM
“A fast-paced but comprehensive introduction to programming with
Python, Python Crash Course is another superb book to add to your
library and help you finally master Python.”
—TuToriaLedGe.neT
“A brilliant option for complete beginners without any coding experi-
ence. If you’re looking for a solid, uncomplicated intro to this very
deep language, I have to recommend this book.”
—whaTPixeL.coM
“Contains literally everything you need to know about Python and
even more.”
—FireBearSTudio.coM

P y t h o n
C r a s h C o u r s e
2 n d ed i t i o n
a hands-on, Project-Based
introduction to Programming
by Eric Matthes
San Francisco
Python Crash Course, 2nd edition. Copyright © 2019 by Eric Matthes.
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval
system, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner and the publisher.
ISBN-10: 1-59327-928-0
ISBN-13: 978-1-59327-928-8
Publisher: William Pollock
Production Editor: Riley Hoffman
Cover Illustration: Josh Ellingson
Cover and Interior Design: Octopod Studios
Developmental Editor: Liz Chadwick
Technical Reviewer: Kenneth Love
Copyeditor: Anne Marie Walker
Compositors: Riley Hoffman and Happenstance Type-O-Rama
Proofreader: James Fraleigh
For information on distribution, translations, or bulk sales, please contact No Starch Press, Inc. directly:
No Starch Press, Inc.
245 8th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
phone: [phone]; [e-mail]
www.nostarch.com
The Library of Congress has catalogued the first edition as follows:
Matthes, Eric, 1972-
Python crash course : a hands-on, project-based introduction to programming / by Eric Matthes.
pages cm
Includes index.
Summary: "A project-based introduction to programming in Python, with exercises. Covers general
programming concepts, Python fundamentals, and problem solving. Includes three projects - how to
create a simple video game, use data visualization techniques to make graphs and charts, and build
an interactive web application"-- Provided by publisher.
ISBN 978-1-59327-603-4 -- ISBN 1-59327-603-6
1. Python (Computer program language) I. Title.
QA76.73.P98M38 2015
005.13'3--dc23
2015018135
No Starch Press and the No Starch Press logo are registered trademarks of No Starch Press, Inc. Other
product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Rather
than use a trademark symbol with every occurrence of a trademarked name, we are using the names only
in an editorial fashion and to the benefit of the trademark owner, with no intention of infringement of the
trademark.
The information in this book is distributed on an “As Is” basis, without warranty. While every precaution
has been taken in the preparation of this work, neither the author nor No Starch Press, Inc. shall have any
liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or
indirectly by the information contained in it.
About the Author
Eric Matthes is a high school science and math teacher living in Alaska,
where he teaches an introductory Python course. He has been writing
programs since he was five years old. Eric currently focuses on writing soft-
ware that addresses inefficiencies in education and brings the benefits of
open source software to the field of education. In his spare time he enjoys
climbing mountains and spending time with his family.
About the Technical Reviewer
Kenneth Love has been a Python programmer, teacher, and conference
organizer for many years. He has spoken and taught at many conferences,
been a Python and Django freelancer, and is currently a software engineer
for O’Reilly Media. Kenneth is co-creator of the django-braces package,
which provides several handy mixins for Django’s class-based views. You
can keep up with him on Twitter at @kennethlove.

For my father, who always made time to
answer my questions about programming,
and for Ever, who is just beginning to ask me
his questions