Python for Kids : A Playful Introduction To Programming

Jason Briggs
Date: December 12, 2012
9781593274078, 1593274076
Trade Paperback
Computers / Languages / Python
Education / Computers & Technology
Computers / Programming
Ages 10 to 14
344 pages
Dimensions (cm): 2.1 x 18 x 23.5
Weight (kg): 0.8

Summary

Python for Kids is a lighthearted introduction to the Python language and programming in general, complete with illustrations and kid-friendly examples. Jason Briggs, author of the popular online tutorial Snake Wrangling for Kids, begins with the basics of how to install Python and write simple commands. In bite-sized chapters, he instructs readers on the essentials of Python, including how to use Python's extensive standard library, the difference between strings and lists, and using for-loops and while-loops. By the end of the book, readers have built a game and created drawings with Python graphics library, Turtle. Each chapter closes with fun and relevant exercises that challenge the reader to put their newly acquired knowledge to the test.

Python is a powerful, expressive programming language that’s easy to learn and fun to use! But books about learning to program in Python can be kind of dull, gray, and boring, and that’s no fun for anyone.

Python for Kids brings Python to life and brings you (and your parents) into the world of programming. The ever-patient Jason R. Briggs will guide you through the basics as you experiment with unique (and often hilarious) example programs that feature ravenous monsters, secret agents, thieving ravens, and more. New terms are defined; code is colored, dissected, and explained; and quirky, full-color illustrations keep things on the lighter side.

Chapters end with programming puzzles designed to stretch your brain and strengthen your understanding. By the end of the book you’ll have programmed two complete games: a clone of the famous Pong and "Mr. Stick Man Races for the Exit"—a platform game with jumps, animation, and much more.

As you strike out on your programming adventure, you’ll learn how to:
–Use fundamental data structures like lists, tuples, and maps
–Organize and reuse your code with functions and modules
–Use control structures like loops and conditional statements
–Draw shapes and patterns with Python’s turtle module
–Create games, animations, and other graphical wonders with tkinter

Why should serious adults have all the fun? Python for Kids is your ticket into the amazing world of computer programming.

For kids ages 10+ (and their parents)

The code in this book runs on almost anything: Windows, Mac, Linux, even an OLPC laptop or Raspberry Pi!

Quotes/Reviews
"By the end of the book you have a fully-functional platform game running, and most likely a head full of ideas about your next game…Python for Kids is just as good an introduction for adults learning to code."
—Geek.com

"An excellent introduction to programming for anyone interested in learning to program, regardless of their age. The material is extremely well organized and presented, and makes for a great resource for either home or school."
—GeekDad


"Despite the title, a fun book for all ages. The provides a clear, easy to follow, introduction to python programming. The content is easy to understand, the examples are clearly illustrated and straightforward."
—Technical YA, Best Books to Learn Python Language in 2021

Table of Contents

About the Author and Technical Reviewers
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part I: Learning to Program
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: Using tkinter for Better Graphics
Part II: Bounce!
Chapter 13: Beginning Your First Game: Bounce!
Chapter 14: Finishing Your First Game: Bounce!
Part III: Mr. Stick Man Races for the Exit
Chapter 15: Creating Graphics for the Mr. Stick Man Game
Chapter 16: Developing the Mr. Stick Man Game
Chapter 17: Creating Mr. Stick Man
Chapter 18: Completing the Mr. Stick Man Game
Afterword: Where to Go from Here
Appendix: Python Keywords
Glossary
Index

Contributor Bio(s)

Jason Briggs has been a programmer since the age of eight, when he first learned BASIC on a Radio Shack TRS-80. Since then he has written software professionally as a developer and systems architect and served as Contributing Editor for Java Developer's Journal. His articles have appeared in JavaWorld, ONJava and ONLamp. Python for Kids is his first book.