Introduction to Python Programming

Introduction to Python Programming provides a comprehensive foundation in programming concepts and skills, and it is aligned to the scope of most introductory courses. A wide array of scenarios, contexts, and problems reflect programming applications in many disciplines and careers. The offering is suitable for a diverse learner audience, including those pursuing computer science, business, science, social science, statistics, data science, and related areas of study and employment.

Introduction to Python Programming is an interactive offering that teaches basic programming concepts, problem-solving skills, and the Python language using hands-on activities. The resource includes a unique, integrated code runner through which students can immediately apply what they learn to check their understanding. Embedded videos, critical thinking exercises, and explorations of external programming tools and activities all contribute to a meaningful and supportive learning experience.

Senior Contributing Authors

Udayan Das, Saint Mary's College of California
Aubrey Lawson, Wiley
Chris Mayfield, James Madison University
Narges Norouzi, UC Berkeley

Contributing Authors

Yamuna Rajasekhar, Wiley
Reed Kanemaru, Wiley

Chapter 1 Statements
• Introduction
• 1.1 Background
• 1.2 Input/output
• 1.3 Variables
• 1.4 String basics
• 1.5 Number basics
• 1.6 Error messages
• 1.7 Comments
• 1.8 Why Python?
• 1.9 Chapter summary

Chapter 2 Expressions
• Introduction
• 2.1 The Python shell
• 2.2 Type conversion
• 2.3 Mixed data types
• 2.4 Floating-point errors
• 2.5 Dividing integers
• 2.6 The math module
• 2.7 Formatting code
• 2.8 Python careers
• 2.9 Chapter summary

Chapter 3 Objects
• Introduction
• 3.1 Strings revisited
• 3.2 Formatted strings
• 3.3 Variables revisited
• 3.4 List basics
• 3.5 Tuple basics
• 3.6 Chapter summary

Chapter 4 Decisions
• Introduction
• 4.1 Boolean values
• 4.2 If-else statements
• 4.3 Boolean operations
• 4.4 Operator precedence
• 4.5 Chained decisions
• 4.6 Nested decisions
• 4.7 Conditional expressions
• 4.8 Chapter summary

Chapter 5 Loops
• Introduction
• 5.1 While loop
• 5.2 For loop
• 5.3 Nested loops
• 5.4 Break and continue
• 5.5 Loop else
• 5.6 Chapter summary

Chapter 6 Functions
• Introduction
• 6.1 Defining functions
• 6.2 Control flow
• 6.3 Variable scope
• 6.4 Parameters
• 6.5 Return values
• 6.6 Keyword arguments
• 6.7 Chapter summary

Chapter 7 Modules
• Introduction
• 7.1 Module basics
• 7.2 Importing names
• 7.3 Top-level code
• 7.4 The help function
• 7.5 Finding modules
• 7.6 Chapter summary

Chapter 8 Strings
• Introduction
• 8.1 String operations
• 8.2 String slicing
• 8.3 Searching/testing strings
• 8.4 String formatting
• 8.5 Splitting/joining strings
• 8.6 Chapter summary

Chapter 9 Lists
• Introduction
• 9.1 Modifying and iterating lists
• 9.2 Sorting and reversing lists
• 9.3 Common list operations
• 9.4 Nested lists
• 9.5 List comprehensions
• 9.6 Chapter summary

Chapter 10 Dictionaries
• Introduction
• 10.1 Dictionary basics
• 10.2 Dictionary creation
• 10.3 Dictionary operations
• 10.4 Conditionals and looping in dictionaries
• 10.5 Nested dictionaries and dictionary comprehension
• 10.6 Chapter summary

Chapter 11 Classes
• Introduction
• 11.1 Object-oriented programming basics
• 11.2 Classes and instances
• 11.3 Instance methods
• 11.4 Overloading operators
• 11.5 Using modules with classes
• 11.6 Chapter summary

Chapter 12 Recursion
• Introduction
• 12.1 Recursion basics
• 12.2 Simple math recursion
• 12.3 Recursion with strings and lists
• 12.4 More math recursion
• 12.5 Using recursion to solve problems
• 12.6 Chapter summary

Chapter 13 Inheritance
• Introduction
• 13.1 Inheritance basics
• 13.2 Attribute access
• 13.3 Methods
• 13.4 Hierarchical inheritance
• 13.5 Multiple inheritance and mixin classes
• 13.6 Chapter summary

Chapter 14 Files
• Introduction
• 14.1 Reading from files
• 14.2 Writing to files
• 14.3 Files in different locations and working with CSV files
• 14.4 Handling exceptions
• 14.5 Raising exceptions
• 14.6 Chapter summary

Chapter 15 Data Science
• Introduction
• 15.1 Introduction to data science
• 15.2 NumPy
• 15.3 Pandas
• 15.4 Exploratory data analysis
• 15.5 Data visualization
• 15.6 Summary