Beginning Python
Wrox | ISBN: 0764596543 | 696 pages | August 5, 2005 | PDF | 5 Mb
* This tutorial offers readers a thorough introduction to programming in Python 2.4, the portable, interpreted, object-oriented programming language that combines power with clear syntax
* Beginning programmers will quickly learn to develop robust, reliable, and reusable Python applications for Web development, scientific applications, and system tasks for users or administrators
* Discusses the basics of installing Python as well as the new features of Python release 2.4, which make it easier for users to create scientific and Web applications
* Features examples of various operating systems throughout the book, including Linux, Mac OS X/BSD, and Windows XP
Product Description
Like music and movies, video games are rapidly becoming an integral part of our lives. Over the years, you’ve yearned for every new gaming console, mastered each blockbuster within weeks after its release, and have even won a local gaming competition or two. But lately you’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about a game idea of your own, or are exploring the possibility of making a career of this vibrant and growing industry. But where should you begin?
Beginning Game Development with Python and Pygame is written with the budding game developer in mind, introducing games development through the Python programming language and the popular Pygame games development library. Authored by industry veteran and Python expert Will McGugan, who most recently worked on the MotorStorm game for Play Station 3, you’ll be privy to insights that will not only help you to exploit PyGame to its maximum potential, but also make you a more creative and knowledgeable games developer all round.
* Learn how to create advanced games by taking advantage of the popular open source Python programming language and Pygame games development library.
* Learn about coding gaming preferences, sound, visual effects, and joystick/keyboard interaction.
* Discover the concepts that are crucial to success in todays gaming industry, such as support for multiple platforms, and granting users the ability to extend and customize your games.
What you’ll learn
* Take advantage of Python and the Pygame library to build compelling cross-platform games.
* Learn to best use these technologies to turn your dream game into reality.
* Create professional games by accounting for sound, special effects, and user interaction through the joystick and keyboard.
* Build both two- and three-dimensional games, and learn more about the factors that contribute to choosing one approach over the other.
* Provide users with the means for extending your games through level creation and custom modifications as a means to build a vibrant community around your product.
* Package your games in a manner that allows even novice computer users to install, use, and update your games with ease.
Who is this book for?
This book has been written for any budding games developer. While knowledge of the Python language helps, it isn’t required. To help new programmers along, two early chapters are devoted to an overview of Python.
About the Apress Beginning Series
The Beginning series from Apress is the right choice to get the information you need to land that crucial entry-level job. These books will teach you a standard and important technology from the ground up because they are explicitly designed to take you from “novice to professional.” You’ll start your journey by seeing what you need to know, but without needless theory and filler. You’ll build your skill set by learning how to put together real-world projects step by step. So whether your goal is your next career challenge or a new learning opportunity, the Beginning series from Apress will take you there. It is your trusted guide through unfamiliar territory!
About the Author
Will McGugan is a software developer currently living and working in North West England. He has worked in video games and computer graphics since the early days of 3D and has created several shareware games in his spare time. Currently Will works for Evolution Studios, one of the world’s leading games development studios. He also has extensive experience in application development, having worked in the field of user interface creation and video conferencing. His current interests include application and web development in Python. Outside of work Will enjoys juggling and cycling, although not at the same time. For more information on Will’s current work and various musings, visit his blog at www.willmcgugan.com.
Writing Perl Modules for CPAN offers Perl developers a comprehensive guide to using and contributing to the Comprehensive Perl Archive Network (CPAN). Starting with a general overview of CPAN’s history, network topology, and navigational mechanisms, the book then quickly brings readers up to speed regarding how to search out and install available modules. However, in the true Open Source spirit, author and experienced Perl developer Sam Tregar teaches readers how to not only use, but also contribute to CPAN via an in-depth discussion of module creation, submission, and maintenance.
Beginning with a survey of basic design principles, Tregar takes care to discuss all issues relevant to developers wishing to create great Perl modules, including choosing a proper name, properly using Perl’s POD (plain old documentation) feature, concepts surrounding functional and object-oriented API development, and much more. Tregar then proceeds with a complete dissertation of how modules should conform to CPAN module specifications, covering required distribution files and coding considerations, in addition to offering advice regarding proper module testing. After demonstrating how to creat a module and prepare it for release, Tregar guides readers through the CPAN module submission process and discusses module maintenance once the module has been contributed to the CPAN service.
Writing Perl Modules for CPAN is an indispensable guide for anyone wishing to make the most of the CPAN service.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1: CPAN
Chapter 2: Perl Module Basics
Chapter 3: Module Design and Implementation
Chapter 4: CPAN Module Distributions
Chapter 5: Submitting Your Module to CPAN
Chapter 6: Module Maintenance
Chapter 7: Great CPAN Modules
Chapter 8: Programming Perl in C
Chapter 9: Writing C Modules with XS
Chapter 10: Writing C Modules with Inline::C
Chapter 11: CGI Application Modules for CPAN
Open source tools provide a powerful and flexible environment for web development and maintenance. If your site has complex business rules or server logic, then you need more than just an interface builder. You need a strong application language with effective tools ready at hand. Perl's strengths make it a natural choice.
Did you know you can easily build a site with features like message forums, chat, session management, custom preferences and other features your users will love? This book shows you how. But it is more than a programming book. It covers a wide spectrum of practical issues and how to handle them, such as when to use a database, what information needs to be secure (and how to secure it), and how to keep traffic from crippling your site. It will teach you the empowering use of ready-made modules so you don't have to reinvent the wheel. And it will even teach you how to successfully advocate the use of Open Source tools in your company.
The primary interface for database programming in Perl is DBI. Programming the Perl DBI is coauthored by Alligator Descartes, one of the most active members of the DBI community, and by Tim Bunce, the inventor of DBI. The book explains the architecture of DBI, shows you how to write DBI-based programs, and reveals both DBI's nuances and the peculiarities of each individual DBD. This is the definitive book for database programming in Perl.
