Python and Algorithmic Thinking for the Complete Beginner : Learn to Think Like a Programmer by Mastering Python Programming and Algorithmic Foundations / Aristides Bouras.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Bouras, Aristides, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Computer algorithms.

Python (Computer program language).

Physical Description:

1 online resource (908 pages)

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Birmingham : Packt Publishing, [2024]

Biography/History:

Bouras Aristides: Aristides S. Bouras holds a degree in Computer Engineering from the Technological Educational Institute of Piraeus, and a Dipl. Eng. degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Democritus University of Thrace. He worked as a software developer at a company that specialized in industrial data flow and labelling of products. He has developed many applications such as warehouse managing systems and websites for companies and other organizations. He works as a high school teacher. He mainly teaches computer networks, programming tools for the Internet/intranets, and databases. He has written many books, mainly about algorithmic and computational thinking through Python, C#, C++, Java, PHP, and Visual Basic programming languages.

Summary:

Unlock the power of Python with this comprehensive guide, “Python and Algorithmic Thinking for the Complete Beginner.” It covers everything from computer basics to advanced decision and loop control structures.Key FeaturesComprehensive coverage from basic computer operations to advanced programming conceptsStep-by-step progression of each topic, along with tips and tricks to enhance coding efficiencyIn-depth exploration of Python and algorithmic thinking with exercises and practical examplesBook DescriptionThis course is meticulously designed to take beginners on a journey through the fascinating world of Python programming and algorithmic thinking. The initial chapters lay a strong foundation, starting with the basics of how computers operate, moving into Python programming, and familiarizing learners with integrated development environments like IDLE and Visual Studio Code. Further, the course delves into essential programming constructs such as variables, constants, input/output handling, and operators. You'll gain practical experience with trace tables, sequence control structures, and decision control structures through comprehensive exercises and examples. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning with chapters dedicated to manipulating numbers, strings, and understanding complex mathematical expressions. By mastering these concepts, you'll be well-prepared to tackle more advanced topics. The final chapters introduce you to object-oriented programming and file manipulation, rounding out your skill set. Throughout the course, practical tips and tricks are provided to enhance your coding efficiency and problem-solving skills. By the end of this course, you will have a robust understanding of Python programming and the ability to apply algorithmic thinking to solve real-world problems.What you will learnUnderstand how computers work and the basics of Python programmingInstall and use integrated development environments (IDEs)Develop skills in decision and loop control structuresManipulate data using lists, dictionaries, and stringsApply algorithmic thinking to solve complex problemsGain proficiency in object-oriented programming & file manipulationWho this book is forThis course is ideal for absolute beginners with no prior programming experience. Basic computer literacy is required, but no specific knowledge of programming or algorithms is necessary. It is also suitable for individuals looking to refresh their Python skills and enhance their understanding of algorithmic thinking. High school and college students interested in programming, professionals seeking to upskill, and hobbyists eager to learn a new programming language will all find value in this course.

Contents:

Intro

Table of Contents

Preface

About the Author

Acknowledgments

How This Book is Organized

Who Should Buy This Book?

Conventions Used in This Book

How to Report Errata

Where to Download Material About this Book

If you Like this Book

Part I Introductory Knowledge

Chapter 1 How a Computer Works

1.1 Introduction

1.2 What is Hardware?

1.3 What is Software?

1.4 How a Computer Executes (Runs) a Program

1.5 Compilers and Interpreters

1.6 What is Source Code?

1.7 Review Questions: True/False

1.8 Review Questions: Multiple Choice

Chapter 2 Python and Integrated Development Environments

2.1 What is Python?

2.2 What is the Difference Between a Script and a Program?

2.3 Why You Should Learn Python

2.4 How Python Works

2.5 Integrated Development Environments

2.6 IDLE

2.7 Microsoft Visual Studio

Chapter 3 Software Packages to Install

3.1 What to Install

Review in "Introductory Knowledge"

Review Crossword Puzzles

Review Questions

Part II Getting Started with Python

Chapter 4 Introduction to Basic Algorithmic Concepts

4.1 What is an Algorithm?

4.2 The Algorithm for Making a Cup of Tea

4.3 Properties of an Algorithm

4.4 Okay About Algorithms. But What is a Computer Program Anyway?

4.5 The Three Parties!

4.6 The Three Main Stages Involved in Creating an Algorithm

4.7 Flowcharts

Exercise 4.7-1 Finding the Average Value of Three Numbers

4.8 What are "Reserved Words"?

4.9 What is the Difference Between a Statement and a Command?

4.10 What is Structured Programming?

4.11 The Three Fundamental Control Structures

Exercise 4.11-1 Understanding Control Structures Using Flowcharts

4.12 Your First Python Program

4.13 What is the Difference Between a Syntax Error, a Logic Error, and a Runtime Error?.

4.14 What "Debugging" Means

4.15 Commenting Your Code

4.16 User-Friendly Programs

4.17 Review Questions: True/False

4.18 Review Questions: Multiple Choice

Chapter 5 Variables and Constants

5.1 What is a Variable?

5.2 What is a Constant?

5.3 How Many Types of Variables and Constants Exist?

5.4 Rules and Conventions for Naming Variables and Constants in Python

5.5 What Does the Phrase "Declare a Variable" Mean?

5.6 How to Declare Variables in Python

5.7 How to Declare Constants in Python

5.8 Review Questions: True/False

5.9 Review Questions: Multiple Choice

5.10 Review Exercises

Chapter 6 Handling Input and Output

6.1 How to Output Messages and Results to a User's Screen?

6.2 How to Alter the Default Behavior of a print Statement?

6.3 How to Prompt the User to Enter Data?

6.4 Review Questions: True/False

6.5 Review Questions: Multiple Choice

Chapter 7 Operators

7.1 The Value Assignment Operator

7.2 Arithmetic Operators

7.3 What is the Precedence of Arithmetic Operators?

7.4 Compound Assignment Operators

Exercise 7.4-1 Which Python Statements are Syntactically Correct?

Exercise 7.4-2 Finding Variable Types

7.5 String Operators

Exercise 7.5-1 Concatenating Names

7.6 Review Questions: True/False

7.7 Review Questions: Multiple Choice

7.8 Review Exercises

Chapter 8 Trace Tables

8.1 What is a Trace Table?

Exercise 8.1-1 Creating a Trace Table

Exercise 8.1-2 Creating a Trace Table

Exercise 8.1-3 Swapping Values of Variables

Exercise 8.1-4 Swapping Values of Variables - An Alternative Approach

8.2 Review Questions: True/False

8.3 Review Exercises

Chapter 9 Using IDLE or Visual Studio Code

9.1 Write, Execute and Debug Python Programs

Review in "Getting Started with Python"

Review Questions.

Part III Sequence Control Structures

Chapter 10 Introduction to Sequence Control Structures

10.1 What is the Sequence Control Structure?

Exercise 10.1-1 Calculating the Area of a Rectangle

Exercise 10.1-2 Calculating the Area of a Circle

Exercise 10.1-3 Where is the Car? Calculating Distance Traveled

Exercise 10.1-4 Kelvin to Fahrenheit

Exercise 10.1-5 Calculating Sales Tax

Exercise 10.1-6 Calculating a Sales Discount

Exercise 10.1-7 Calculating a Sales Discount and Tax

10.2 Review Exercises

Chapter 11 Manipulating Numbers

11.1 Introduction

11.2 Useful Mathematical Functions (Subprograms), and More

Exercise 11.2-1 Calculating the Distance Between Two Points

Exercise 11.2-2 How Far Did the Car Travel?

11.3 Review Questions: True/False

11.4 Review Questions: Multiple Choice

11.5 Review Exercises

Chapter 12 Complex Mathematical Expressions

12.1 Writing Complex Mathematical Expressions

Exercise 12.1-1 Representing Mathematical Expressions in Python

Exercise 12.1-2 Writing a Mathematical Expression in Python

Exercise 12.1-3 Writing a Complex Mathematical Expression in Python

12.2 Review Exercises

Chapter 13 Exercises With a Quotient and a Remainder

13.1 Introduction

Exercise 13.1-1 Calculating the Quotient and Remainder of Integer Division

Exercise 13.1-2 Finding the Sum of Digits

Exercise 13.1-3 Displaying an Elapsed Time

Exercise 13.1-4 Reversing a Number

13.2 Review Exercises

Chapter 14 Manipulating Strings

14.1 Introduction

14.2 The Position of a Character in a String

14.3 Useful String Functions/Methods (Subprograms), and More

Exercise 14.3-1 Displaying a String Backwards

Exercise 14.3-2 Switching the Order of Names

Exercise 14.3-3 Creating a Login ID

Exercise 14.3-4 Creating a Random Word

Exercise 14.3-5 Finding the Sum of Digits.

14.4 Review Questions: True/False

14.5 Review Questions: Multiple Choice

14.6 Review Exercises

Review in "Sequence Control Structures"

Review Crossword Puzzle

Part IV Decision Control Structures

Chapter 15 Making Questions

15.1 Introduction

15.2 What is a Boolean Expression?

15.3 How to Write Simple Boolean Expressions

Exercise 15.3-1 Filling in the Table

15.4 Logical Operators and Complex Boolean Expressions

Exercise 15.4-1 Calculating the Results of Complex Boolean Expressions

15.5 Python's Membership Operators

15.6 Assigning the Result of a Boolean Expression to a Variable

15.7 What is the Order of Precedence of Logical Operators?

Exercise 15.7-1 Filling in the Truth Table

Exercise 15.7-2 Converting English Sentences to Boolean Expressions

15.8 What is the Order of Precedence of Arithmetic, Comparison, Membership, and Logical Operators?

15.9 How to Negate Boolean Expressions

Exercise 15.9-1 Negating Boolean Expressions

15.10 Review Questions: True/False

15.11 Review Questions: Multiple Choice

15.12 Review Exercises

Chapter 16 The Single-Alternative Decision Structure

16.1 The Single-Alternative Decision Structure

Exercise 16.1-1 Trace Tables and Single-Alternative Decision Structures

Exercise 16.1-2 The Absolute Value of a Number

16.2 Review Questions: True/False

16.3 Review Questions: Multiple Choice

16.4 Review Exercises

Chapter 17 The Dual-Alternative Decision Structure

17.1 The Dual-Alternative Decision Structure

Exercise 17.1-1 Finding the Output Message

Exercise 17.1-2 Trace Tables and Dual-Alternative Decision Structures

Exercise 17.1-3 Who is the Greatest?

Exercise 17.1-4 Finding Odd and Even Numbers

Exercise 17.1-5 Weekly Wages

17.2 Review Questions: True/False

17.3 Review Questions: Multiple Choice.

17.4 Review Exercises

Chapter 18 The Multiple-Alternative Decision Structure

18.1 The Multiple-Alternative Decision Structure

Exercise 18.1-1 Trace Tables and Multiple-Alternative Decision Structures

Exercise 18.1-2 The Days of the Week

Exercise 18.1-3 Counting the Digits

18.2 Review Questions: True/False

18.3 Review Exercises

Chapter 19 Nested Decision Control Structures

19.1 What are Nested Decision Control Structures?

Exercise 19.1-1 Trace Tables and Nested Decision Control Structures

Exercise 19.1-2 Positive, Negative or Zero?

19.2 Review Questions: True/False

19.3 Review Exercises

Chapter 20 More about Flowcharts with Decision Control Structures

20.1 Introduction

20.2 Converting Python Programs to Flowcharts

Exercise 20.2-1 Designing the Flowchart

Exercise 20.2-2 Designing the Flowchart

Exercise 20.2-3 Designing the Flowchart

20.3 A Mistake That You Will Probably Make!

20.4 Converting Flowcharts to Python Programs

Exercise 20.4-1 Writing the Python Program

Exercise 20.4-2 Writing the Python Program

Exercise 20.4-3 Writing the Python Program

20.5 Review Exercises

Chapter 21 Tips and Tricks with Decision Control Structures

21.1 Introduction

21.2 Choosing a Decision Control Structure

21.3 Streamlining the Decision Control Structure

Exercise 21.3-1 "Shrinking" the Algorithm

Exercise 21.3-2 "Shrinking" the Python Program

Exercise 21.3-3 "Shrinking" the Algorithm

21.4 Logical Operators - to Use, or not to Use: That is the Question!

Exercise 21.4-1 Rewriting the Code

Exercise 21.4-2 Rewriting the Code

21.5 Merging Two or More Single-Alternative Decision Structures

Exercise 21.5-1 Merging the Decision Control Structures

Exercise 21.5-2 Merging the Decision Control Structures.

21.6 Replacing Two Single-Alternative Decision Structures with a Dual-Alternative One.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

Description based on print version record.

Other Format:

Print version: Bouras, Aristides Python and Algorithmic Thinking for the Complete Beginner

ISBN:

9781836209263

OCLC:

1463580631