Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science
by John M. Zelle, Ph.D.
I have written an introductory CS textbook using Python. It is published by Franklin, Beedle & Associates. If you are interested in reviewing or adopting this textbook, contact Jim Leisy at FBA.
| Review Copy | Review copies are available from the publisher |
| Sample programs | Browseable directory of sample programs |
| code.zip | Downloadable zip file of all program examples |
| graphics.py | The simple graphics module used in textbook examples. This version is for Python versions 2.x |
| graphics22.py | Older (non-threaded) version of the graphics library. Use this one only if the version above causes problems in your environment. |
| graphicsPy3.py | Graphics library ported to Python 3.0. Contributed by Andrew Harrington at Loyola (Chicago). I have not yet tested this extensively. |
| Graphics Reference (HTML) | Browseable reference documentaion for the graphics package |
| Graphics Reference (PDF) | Downloadable/printable documentation for the graphics package |
Why Python for CS1?
At Wartburg College we have been using Python extensively in our curriculm since 1998. We have found it to be a near-ideal first language and a useful tool throughout the curriculum. I am convinced from my experiences that Python is a much better for teaching than languages such as Java, C++, or Ada. If you are interested in learning why, check out some of my papers and presentations.
- Python as a First Language
- Paper presented at 13th Annual Midwest Computer Conference, March 1999. This position paper presents the case for Python in CS1 and CS2 courses.
- Teaching Computer Science with Python
- HTML version of a workshop I presented at SIGCSE 2004. sigcse-slides.pdf is a PDF file of the slides, and sigcse-handout.pdf is a handout with 4 slides per page.
- Simple not Simplistic: Squeezing the most from CS1 with Python
- HTML version of a talk I presented at CCSC Fall 2003. ccsc-slides.pdf is a PDF file of the slides, and ccsc-handout.pdf is a handout with 4 slides per page.
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