Python is an excellent way to get started in programming, and this clear, concise guide walks you through the language a step at a time—beginning with basic programming concepts, then moving on to functions, data structures, and object-oriented programming. This revised third edition reflects the growing role of large language models (LLMs) in programming and includes exercises on effective LLM prompts, testing code, and debugging.
Through exercises in each chapter, you’ll try out programming skills as you learn them. Author Allen Downey focuses on fundamental programming concepts that will remain relevant even as the tools evolve. With this popular hands-on guide, you’ll learn:
• The syntax and semantics of the Python language
• A clear definition of each programming concept, with emphasis on important vocabulary
• How to work with variables, statements, functions, and data structures
• Techniques for reading and writing files and databases
• Fundamentals of objects, methods, and object-oriented programming
• Debugging strategies for syntax, runtime, and semantic errors
• How to use LLMs to accelerate your learning — including effective prompts, testing code, and debugging
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