Python is a widely used programming language known for combining simplicity with expressive power. It is often recommended as a first language for beginners while remaining relevant for experienced developers.
Learning Python provides a foundation for understanding core programming concepts such as control flow, data structures, modularity, and object-oriented design, which are transferable across many areas of software development.
About the book
A Byte of Python, written by Swaroop C H, is a free introductory guide to programming using the Python language. The book is explicitly designed for beginners, including readers whose only prior computer experience may be saving text files. It also accommodates readers with previous programming background who want to learn Python as an additional language.
The book focuses on Python version 3 and includes guidance to adapt to Python version 2 where necessary. It presents itself as a structured tutorial, progressing from installation and first steps to more advanced topics such as object-oriented programming and the standard library.
The text is used in academic settings and has served as instructional material in various university courses. It is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and the code examples are licensed under the 3-clause BSD License unless otherwise noted.
What you will learn
Readers are introduced to Python from the ground up, starting with installation and basic syntax. The book covers fundamental programming constructs including operators, expressions, and control flow. It then moves to functions, modules, and data structures, helping learners understand how to organize and reuse code.
The inclusion of problem solving and object-oriented programming indicates that the book goes beyond syntax, guiding readers toward structured thinking and program design. Additional chapters on input and output, exceptions, and the standard library expose readers to practical aspects of building real programs.
By the end of the book, learners will have encountered both procedural and object-oriented approaches in Python, gained familiarity with common programming patterns, and developed the ability to write small to medium-sized programs using core language features.
Table of contents
- Introduction
- Dedication
- Preface
- About Python
- Installation
- First Steps
- Basics
- Operators and Expressions
- Control flow
- Functions
- Modules
- Data Structures
- Problem Solving
- Object Oriented Programming
- Input and Output
- Exceptions
- Standard Library
- More
- What Next
- Appendix: FLOSS
- Appendix: About
- Appendix: Revision History
- Appendix: Translations
- Appendix: Translation How-to
- Feedback
Book details
- Title: A Byte of Python
- Author(s): Swaroop C H
- Main category: Programming
- Subcategory: Python
- Language: English
- License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (code examples under 3-clause BSD License unless otherwise noted)
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