Introduction to Computation and Programming Using Python, second edition: With Application to Understanding Data

This book is very concise (in less than 300 pages), yet very clear. What's truly amazing about this text is that it covers a lot of topics from Python basics to data structures, algorithms, testing & debugging, statistics, simulation, visualization and even machine learning! If this is your first course in CS, you actually get a chance to taste the flavors of most of higher-level courses you would take later in college. And again in less than 300 pages. Personally, I programmed in Java and C++. I wanted to know Python since it is a simple language (compared to C++) and there are many useful packages to use too. I don't want a 1000-page huge book that explains every traits of this language.I simply don't have the time nor do I need it, since I know what programming is about. I'm looking for a light book which explains language basics (like syntax) and its application. This book is such a perfect fit! You learned the basics and immediately put them to use. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to know Python and apply it quickly, whether you are a beginner or already a programmer like myself.

It ages well There are some really eloquent things you can do in Python, since dict and json are so interrelated. This work really starts of in a relevant way, with techniques that are easy to remember and some advanced chapters that even seasoned data scientists could use. What I find most refreshing is that the topics are not copy-pasta to include any beginner topics or waste any time on explaining high-school level CS curricula. The topics are more about performant ways to deal with data and common challenges that arise when working with other SDK's and external data, such as when you have a work project and need to interact with other language-agnostic processes with industry-standard techniques and responses. I personally use Flask, Bottle, and as much as the language-provided packages as possible when creating new software.

I used this textbook along with the MIT online course 6.01 on edX.com. Overall I thought it was well written and structured, my biggest qualm was that explanations were not always given for code. Considering how small the text is, I think they could have given readers better explanations in certain places without making the book too long. Pros: -Covers a little material on many subjects and provides a thorough introduction to computer science. Cons: -Like other reviewers have said, much of the textbook is word for word from the online lectures. -Does not fully explain every piece of code. When explanations are given, they are not comprehensive and the reader is expected to look at other sources. -Not really a standalone introduction, without the online course one will not fully grasp the concepts.

Without a doubt, this book is a masterpiece on computation and computer science.I bought this book for the Edx lesson Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python.After finished 2 chapters, it's quite obvious that Prof. Guttag is an expert in his fields.I like the clear and light language of this book. As the author said, this book will be many students only formal exposure to computer science.I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to become more confident in programming and more skillful in problem-solving using computers.I encourage you to enroll in the Edx lesson I mentioned. The second edition has been greatly expanded compared to the first edition.It contain two-semester-long material now. I'm a Chinese and I choose the slowest shipping option.The shipping process took 45 days.I think that I'll never buy any book from Amazon.com.I think Amazon Japan will be a better choice. companion

This book is written as an introduction to Computer Science and Programming aiming at preparing and educating potential Computer Scientists. The writing style, the vocabulary used, the concise and to-the-point contents, and the vast topics that are covered in this introductory book, all are to serve the purpose of teaching computational and algorithmic thinking to a nerd-to-be. This book is not meant to teach you only programming, or only Python. It uses Python just as a tool to teach the science of computing at an introductory level. Reading the book along with the associated online course at edx.org will help you learn the basics of computer science in a very efficient way.

I gave this book a 5 starts because it is very easy to understand, but it does not follow the opencourseware program that MIT has for free online. This book is not for begginners. The book will teach you python, but if you've never programmed before, this is not the place to start. Going back and forth with the lessons is hard if you're following the MIT program online because the chapters do not match with the lessons and that's where I got lost. I am using this book as reference for my online programming classes, but not as a start.

The book is called an introduction to computational problem using Python and that is exactly what it is, so if you want to know more about both (or even one) of these topics then this book is essential. However this is not all you will get from this book. This book is one of the best books I have ever read in computing (in fact in any field) and is a must for anyone teaching or learning computer science (or writing books). Guttag simplifies and explains well in English, what other books struggle to explain, without drowning you in mathematical concepts. Guttag uses PyLab that is part of mathplotlib library (which is free, easy to install and start using) to help visualise, model and understand the computational algorithms from the later chapters of the book. I cannot stress enough how Guttag has done wonders with what can be seen as complex and difficult areas. The content is broken down into manageable chunks. His writing is so clear and concise and uses humour and real life examples to explain concepts as wide ranging as recursion, simulation and statistics, in a manner that not too serious, enlightening and often entertaining. Even if you have been intimidated by these subjects then as long as you have a basic understanding of maths then this book can help you become more confident. The section on how statistical data can both inform and misled you is one of the many examples that you will learn about.

Excelente livro de introdução à programação usando uma linguagem Python. O autor expõem com clareza os tópicos de ciência da computação, a leitura é muito fácil e rápida; O livro poderá ser usado em conjunto com o curso de introdução do MIT.. Pelo preço ofertado no Brasil talvez seja interessante acompanhar somente o curso do MIT ou comprar outro livro de introdução à programação como HeadFirst Java.. O livro fisicamente é muito compacto, além de possuir uma excelente impressão..

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Buenísimo. Hice un curso en línea del MIT y es el libro que nos recomendaron. Está realmente claro, completo, etc. Se lo recomendé a una colega que quería aprender de manera autodidacta y le gustó, le ayudó. Lo recomiendo ampliamente.

The book arrived at the given time and in good conditions. Besides, the contents of the book are well structured and I really believe that if you are looking for learning the logic behind programming, this book is a great choice.