Fundamentals of Python : from first programs through data structures

Abstract

This text is intended for a complete, firstyear study of programming and problem-solving. It covers the material taught in typical Computer Science 1 and Computer Science 2 courses (CS1 and CS2) at the undergraduate level. This book covers five major aspects of computing: 1 Programming Basics—Data types, control structures, algorithm development, and program design with functions are basic ideas that you need to master in order to solve problems with computers. This book examines these core topics in detail and gives you practice employing your understanding of them to solve a wide range of problems. 2 Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)—Object-Oriented Programming is the dominant programming paradigm used to develop large software systems. This book introduces you to the fundamental principles of OOP and enables you to apply them successfully. 3 Data and Information Processing—Most useful programs rely on data structures to solve problems. These data structures include strings, arrays, files, lists, stacks, queues, trees, sets, dictionaries, and graphs. This book gives you experience using, building, and assessing the performance of data structures. The general concept of an abstract data type is introduced, as is the difference between abstraction and implementation. You’ll learn to use complexity analysis to evaluate space/time tradeoffs of different implementations of ADTs. 4 Software Development Life Cycle—Rather than isolate software development techniques in one or two chapters, this book deals with them throughout in the context of numerous case studies. Among other things, you’ll learn that coding a program is often not the most difficult or challenging aspect of problem solving and software development. 5 Contemporary Applications of Computing—The best way to learn about programming and problem solving is to create interesting programs with real-world applications. In this book, you’ll begin by creating applications that involve numerical problems and text processing. For example, you’ll learn the basics of encryption techniques such as those that are used to make your credit card number and other information secure on the Internet. But unlike many other introductory texts, this one does not restrict itself to problems involving numbers and text. Most contemporary applications involve graphical user interfaces, event-driven programming, graphics, and network communications. These topics are presented in optional, standalone chapters.