A HANDS-ON, PROJECT-BASED
INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING
ERIC MATTHES
PY THON
C R ASH COURSE
PY THON
C R ASH COURSE
SHELVE IN:
PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES/
PYTHON
$39.95 ($45.95 CDN)
FAST!
LEARN PYTHON—
FAST!
LEARN PYTHON—
PYTHON CRASH COURSE
PYTHON CRASH COURSE
MATTHES
COVERS PYTHON 2 AND 3
Python Crash Course is a fast-paced, thorough intro-
duction to programming with 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 simple 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!
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.
www.nostarch.com
THE FINEST I N G EEK ENTERTA I N M ENT
™
“I LIE FLAT.”
This book uses RepKover—a durable binding that won’t snap shut
