Python Crash Course, 3rd Edition: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming

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Learning Python with Python Crash Course was an extremely positive experience! A great choice if you’re new to Python.” New to this edition: This third edition is completely revised to reflect the latest in Python code. New and updated coverage includes VS Code for text editing, the pathlib module for file handling, pytest for testing your code, as well as the latest features of Matplotlib, Plotly, and Django. I am confident that this book will be an excellent springboard for anyone looking to pursue a career in programming or simply wanting to learn a new skill. Great book for absolute beginners. The author holds your hand and walks you through every step, so it is easy to understand and nearly impossible to get lost. I worked through the entire book and felt like I acquired a good foundation in Python programming.

It has been interesting to see, over the last few years, No Starch Press, which produces this book, growing and producing future classics that should be alongside the more traditional O’Reilly Press programming books. Python Crash Course is one of those books.” The new edition uses VS Code instead of Sublime Text. VS Code is fully open, and has seen widespread adoption in the Python world over the last several years.Python Crash Course is a fast-paced, thorough introduction to programming with Python that will have you writing programs, solving problems, and making things that work in no time. If you’ve been thinking about digging into programming, Python Crash Course will provide you with the skills to write real programs fast. Why wait any longer? Start your engines and code!

Appendix A includes updated supplementary installation and setup instructions, for readers who run into any issues installing Python. This chapter shows how to install third-party libraries, instead of introducing the topic in several different projects in the second half of the book. Chapter 10 uses the pathlib module for working with files. This is a much simpler approach to reading from and writing to files. It's also in keeping with how most major libraries are working with files now. You’ll start by learning basic programming concepts, such as variables, lists, classes, and loops, and practice writing clean code with exercises for each topic. You’ll also learn how to make your programs interactive and test your code safely before adding it to a project. You’ll put your new knowledge into practice by creating a Space Invaders–inspired arcade game, building a set of data visualizations with Python’s handy libraries, and deploying a simple application online. Focuses on creating games with Pygame. Creating a game window, rect objects, images, responding to keyboard and mouse input, groups, detecting collisions between game elements, and rendering text

In this book, Matthes provides an excellent introduction to Python programming through a series of well-crafted projects. The book is well-organized and the examples are easy to follow, especially for beginners.