Synopses & Reviews
SUMMARY
A gentle but thorough introduction to the world of computer programming, it is written in language a 12-year-old can follow, but anyone who wants to learn how to program a computer can use it. Even adults. Written by Warren Sande and his son, Carter, and reviewed by professional educators, this book is kid-tested and parent-approved.
ABOUT THIS BOOK
Learn to talk to your computer in its own language! Whether you want to create a game, start a business, or solve an important problem, the first step is learning to write your own programs. Programming is a fun challenge, and it's easy to get started!
This updated and revised edition of Hello World! introduces the world of computer programming in a clear and engaging style. Written by Warren Sande and his son, Carter, it is full of examples that will get you thinking and learning. Reviewed by professional educators, this book is kid-tested and parent-approved. You don't need to know anything about programming to use the book, just the basics of using a computer. If you can start a program and save a file, you'll be off and running!
Purchase of the print book includes a free eBook in PDF, Kindle, and ePub formats from Manning Publications.
WHAT'S INSIDE
- Explains concepts in clear language
- Lots of pictures, cartoons, and fun examples
- Complete set of practice questions and exercises
- Illustrated in full color
Hello World! uses Python, a programming language designed to be easy to learn. Using fun examples, it brings to life concepts of computing— looping, decisions, input and output, data structures, graphics—and many more.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Warren Sande is an electronic systems engineer who uses Python both as a "do anything" scripting language and as a way to teach computers and programming. Carter Sande is a high school student who is passionate about technology. When he's not fixing his school's network and helping his classmates recover lost homework, he likes to ride his bike and write retro video games.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Getting Started
- Remember This: Memory and Variables
- Basic Math
- Types of Data
- Input
- GUIs—Graphical User Interfaces
- Decisions, Decisions
- Loop the Loop
- Just for You—Comments
- Game Time
- Nested and Variable Loops
- Collecting Things Together—Lists and Dictionaries
- Functions
- Objects
- Modules
- Graphics
- Sprites and Collision Detection
- A New Kind of Input—Events
- Sound
- More GUIs
- Print Formatting and Strings
- File Input and Output
- Take a Chance—Randomness
- Computer Simulations
- Skier Explained
- Python Battle
- What's Next?
Synopsis
Computer savvy kids and can be found surfing the web, chatting with friends, downloading music, and playing games—all at the same time. Many, however, want to do more. Not only do they want to use computers to stay connected to the world, they want to understand what makes them work, and they want to make computers work for them; they want to learn programming. Warren and Carter Sande, a father and son team, created just the book to get them started.
Hello World! Second Edition is a fun, easy-to-use guide with copious illustrations and engaging examples. It takes the reader on a playful tour of basic programming concepts and then puts those concepts together to make fun and useful programs. It uses Python, a programming language that is one of the easiest to read, write, and understand.
Like the first edition, Hello World! Second Edition is not just for kids. While the tone is light and engaging, it doesn't "talk down" to the reader, and beginners of any age will love its readability and sense of humor.
Purchase of the print book comes with an offer of a free PDF, ePub, and Kindle eBook from Manning. Also available is all code from the book.
About the Author
Warren Sande is an Electronic Systems Engineer who uses Python (and other languages) in his work, and also uses it to help teach his son about computers and programming. He holds a degree in Electronic Systems Engineering from the University of Regina, Saskatchewan as well as a Diploma in Communication Arts, specializing in Broadcasting, from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. He has taught introductory software courses to computer novices.
Carter Sande is a bright, curious, energetic, and thoughtful boy who loves computers, playing the piano, bouncing on the trampoline, and Mario. He has been playing and experimenting with computers from a young age.