There is currently huge interest in the Python programming language. This is driven
by several factors; its use in schools with the Raspberry Pi platform, its ability to be
used for DevOps scripts, its use in data science and machine learning and of course
the language itself.
There are many books on Python, however, most assume previous programming
experience or are focussed on particular aspects of Python use such as data science
or machine learning or have a scientific flavor.
The aim of this book is to introduce Python to those with little or very little
programming knowledge, and then to take them through to become an experienced
Python developer.
As such the earlier parts of the book introduce fundamental concepts such as
what a variable is and how a for loop works. In contrast, the later chapters introduce
advanced concepts such as functional programming, object orientation, and
exception handling.
In between a wide range of topics are introduced and discussed from a Python
point of view including functions, recursion, operators, Python properties, modules
and packages, protocols and monkey patching, etc.
After the core elements of Python are established, each new subject area is
introduced by way of an introductory chapter presenting the topic in general, providing
background on that subject, why it is of importance, etc. These introductions
cover Structured Analysis, functional programming, and object orientation.