A Functional Start to Computing with Python [Paperback]

A Functional Start to Computing with Pythonenables students to quickly learn computing without having to use loops, variables, and object abstractions at the start. Requiring no prior programming experience, the book draws on Pythons flexible data types and operations as well as its capacity for defining new functions. Along with the specifics of Python, the text covers important concepts of computing, including software engineering motivation, algorithms behind syntax rules, advanced functional programming ideas, and, briefly, finite state machines.

Taking a student-friendly, interactive approach to teach computing, the book addresses more difficult concepts and abstractions later in the text. The author presents ample explanations of data types, operators, and expressions. He also describes comprehensionsthe powerful specifications of lists and dictionariesbefore introducing loops and variables. This approach helps students better understand assignment syntax and iteration by giving them a mental model of sophisticated data first.

Web Resource
The books supplementary website at http://functionalfirstpython.com/ provides many ancillaries, including:

• Interactive flashcards on Python language elements
• Links to extra support for each chapter
• Unit testing and programming exercises
• An interactive Python stepper tool
• Chapter-by-chapter points
• Material for lectures

Motivation and Background
Inspirations of Computing

Preview of Computing with Python
Spiral Drawing
Reports
Goal

General Landscape of Computing Languages
Background Skills
Learning a Language