Head First Programming

A learner's guide to programming using the Python language

Larger Cover

A learner's guide to programming using the Python language

By David Griffiths, Paul Barry

Publisher: O'Reilly Media

Released: November 2009

Pages: 448

Looking for a reliable way to learn how to program on your own, without being overwhelmed by confusing concepts? Head First Programming introduces the core concepts of writing computer programs -- variables, decisions, loops, functions, and objects -- which apply regardless of the programming language. This book offers concrete examples and exercises in the dynamic and versatile Python language to demonstrate and reinforce these concepts.

Learn the basic tools to start writing the programs that interest you, and get a better understanding of what software can (and cannot) do. When you're finished, you'll have the necessary foundation to learn any programming language or tackle any software project you choose.

With a focus on programming concepts, this book teaches you how to:

Understand the core features of all programming languages, including: variables, statements, decisions, loops, expressions, and operators
Reuse code with functions
Use library code to save time and effort
Select the best data structure to manage complex data
Write programs that talk to the Web
Share your data with other programs
Write programs that test themselves and help you avoid embarrassing coding errors

We think your time is too valuable to waste struggling with new concepts. Using the latest research in cognitive science and learning theory to craft a multi-sensory learning experience, Head First Programming uses a visually rich format designed for the way your brain works, not a text-heavy approach that puts you to sleep.

Title:

Head First Programming

By:

David Griffiths, Paul Barry

Publisher:

O'Reilly Media

Formats:

Print
Ebook
Safari Books Online

Print:

November 2009

Ebook:

November 2009

Pages:

448

Print ISBN:

978-0-596-80237-0

| ISBN 10:

0-596-80237-4

Ebook ISBN:

978-1-4493-8032-8

| ISBN 10:

1-4493-8032-8

David Griffiths

David Griffiths began programming at age 12, after being inspired by a documentary on the work of Seymour Papert. At age 15 he wrote an implementation of Papert's computer language LOGO. After studying Pure Mathematics at University, he began writing code for computers and magazine articles for humans and he currently works in the UK, helping people to create simpler, more valuable software. He spends his free time traveling and time with his lovely wife, Dawn.

View David Griffiths's full profile page.
Paul Barry

Paul Barry is formally educated and trained in Computer Science and holds a Masters Degree in Computing Science. He has been programming professionally, on and off, for close to 25 years. Paul already has two textbooks to his name, and is also a Contributing Editor to Linux Journal magazine. His day job is with the Institute of Technology, Carlow in Ireland where he has spent over a decade preparing Ireland's next generation of computing folk to be productive in the workforce. His role as a third level educator affords him the opportunity to explore, learn and teach the very latest programming technologies and practices, which is something that he enjoys even though he knows this makes him a bonafide "geek". Paul lives just outside the town of Carlow in Ireland with his wife, two sons, daughter, dog and cat. There's a bunch of computers and a growing collection of music instruments in the house, too (and like a lot of the Head First family, Paul is a struggling guitarist trapped inside a geek's body). He has so far resisted any suggestion that the family acquire a hamster ... or a set of drums.

View Paul Barry's full profile page.

Description

Product Details

About the Author

Recommended for You

Recently Viewed

Learning Red Hat Linux, 2nd Edition

A Guide to Red Hat Linux for New Users

By Bill McCarty

January 2002

Malicious Mobile Code

Virus Protection for Windows

By Roger A. Grimes

August 2001

Print: $39.95

Exchange Server Cookbook

For Exchange Server 2003 and Exchange 2000 Server

By Paul Robichaux, Missy Koslosky, Devin L. Ganger

June 2005

Ebook: $35.99

Print & Ebook: $49.45

Print: $44.95

Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

O'Reilly Media Head First Programming

4.5

(based on 2 reviews)

Reviews

Reviewed by 2 customers

Sort by

Displaying reviews 1-2

12/29/2010

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

must have for Python beginners

By Michal Owsiak

from Poland

About Me Developer

Pros

Accurate
Concise
Easy to understand
Helpful examples
Well-written

Cons

Too basic

Best Uses

Novice
Student

Comments about O'Reilly Media Head First Programming:

I have read Head First series for quite some time. These books are just amazing. My first book was Head First Servlets and JSP and I liked the series from the very beginning. Now, I have few of them on my book shelf – I like the style of the series: well served knowledge. I know how to program and by reading Head First Programming I din't meant to actually learn programming – I wanted to get into Python. And I think, this is quite good way to achieve that. You not only get the idea of what programming is, you also learn basics of Python. This is a good start for people who have never used it. David and Paul go through all important topics for every beginner: branches, data structures, functions, file access, basic of the GUI and much, much more.

The way book is organized is very similar to other titles from Head First series. Authors utilize recent concepts related to cognitive science – not only what, but also how is important. By introducing image based explanations (we humans base our cognition on pictures) and by explaining everything with very basic language (authors are not afraid that avoiding academic fuss will make them look "less competent") David and Paul go straight into what is most important – knowledge presented such way, that everybody can learn it. I know people who doesn't like this series – they assume that books like these are simply silly. They have right to think that way. In my opinion, Head First Programming is as good as other titles from Head First series, and if you want to lear Python and learn how to program – you have to buy it.

11/25/2010

(2 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Great for my needs

By Sean

from Springfield, MO

Pros

Easy to understand
Helpful examples

Cons

Best Uses

Novice
Student

Comments about O'Reilly Media Head First Programming:

I am a complete newbie to programming in general and I want to start learning how. This book is very good at bringing a concept approach to learning programming.

There is a lesson however in chapter three that shows how to build a basic authentication program to update twitter statuses. However, it does not work because Twitter turned off basic authentication in August 2010. Other than this, I have been very impressed.