Product Review: Python for Kids: A Playful Introduction to Programming {Hardcover} *Stocking Stuffer*
A Lighthearted Introduction to the Python Programming Language
If I don’t watch myself, I’m going to get the inaccurate reputation for understanding how to program computers. Ha! Now that is rich. I have talked before about having an Apple II GS computer at the age of 7 and messed around with DOS programming and even took a class in Q BASIC at 15, but I do not have a programmer’s patience and, probably, mental ability. That said, I understand how important computer programming is in our lives and in my work (probably especially in my work) and think it is important to hone that interest at a young age. If anyone would agree with me, it would be author, Jason Briggs, who has been programming since the age of eight! Okay, so it was BASIC on a Radio Shack TRS-80, but look at him now! He’s a professional software developer, Contributing Editor for Java Developer’s Journal and writing his first book for kids on how to make programming fun for beginners. I may not always understand it, but I do dig it.
Python for Kids is a fun introduction to the Python programming language for kids. It is full of hilarious and color illustrations by Miran Lipovača (check out his illustrations in Learn You a Haskell for Great Good! Through No Starch) who creates the bizarre characters like Subterranean Giraffe and the Love Calculator. The author uses simple language on how to install Python, make simple commands and cements programming concepts which would have been useful to me 20 years ago. Kids who complete the book should be able to build simple games and make creative drawing from the graphics library of Python called Turtle. The book offers additional hands-on learning with end of chapter exercises that are a little wacky. It was fun and educational although I plan to leave the programming to the (soon-to-be) professionals!
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Not All Snakes Slither
Chapter 2: Calculations and Variables
Chapter 3: Strings, Lists, Tuples, and Maps
Chapter 4: Drawing with Turtles
Chapter 5: Asking Questions with if and else
Chapter 6: Going Loopy
Chapter 7: Recycling Your Code with Functions and Modules
Chapter 8: How to Use Classes and Objects
Chapter 9: Python’s Built-In Functions
Chapter 10: Useful Python Modules
Chapter 11: More Turtle Graphics
Chapter 12: Faster Graphics for Animation
Chapter 13: Creating Your First Game: Bounce!
Chapter 14: Mister Stick Figure Races for the Toilet
Chapter 15: Where to Go from Here
Appendix A: Python Keywords
Appendix B: Answers to Programming Puzzles
About No Starch Press: ‘The Finest in Geek Entertainment’ This San Francisco, CA Company takes geekery to a whole new level. Founded in 1994 by William Pollock, a publisher who has over 20 years experience in the industry! You may recognize some of their best selling books like ‘Steal This Computer’ or ‘Book, Hacking: The Art of Exploitation’. Geeks everywhere Unite!
Python for Kids: A Playful Introduction to Programming {Hardcover} *Stocking Stuffer*
List Price: $29.95 Print Book and FREE Ebook (PDF)
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