
Python for Kids
A Playful Introduction to Programming
Jason Briggs(Author)
No Starch Press
1st Edition
Published on 12. December 2012
Book
Paperback/Softback
XXIV, 318 pages
978-1-59327-407-8 (ISBN)
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Description
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.
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.
Reviews / Votes
"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
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Heidelberg
Germany
Target group
Children/juvenile
Late-elementary through early-high school students (ages 8+)
- Parents and educators
- Beginners looking for a gentle introduction to programming
Product notice
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 23.5 cm
Width: 17.7 cm
Weight
776 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-59327-407-8 (9781593274078)
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
New editions

Book
11/2022
2nd Edition
No Starch Press
€33.00
Available immediately
Person
Jason R. Briggs has been a programmer since the age of eight, when he first learned BASIC on a Radio Shack TRS-80. 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.
Content
About the AuthorAbout the IllustratorAbout the technical ReviewersAcknowledgmentsIntroductionLearning to ProgramChapter 1: Not All Snakes SlitherChapter 2: Calculations and VariablesChapter 3: Strings, Lists, Tuples, and MapsChapter 4: Drawing with TurtlesChapter 5: Asking Questions with if and elseChapter 6: Going LoopyChapter 7: Recycling Your Code with Functions and ModulesChapter 8: How to Use Classes and ObjectsChapter 9: Python's Built-in FunctionsChapter 10: Useful Python ModulesChapter 11: More Turtle GraphicsChapter 12: Using tkinter for Better GraphicsBounce!Chapter 13: Beginning Your First Game: Bounce!Chapter 14: Finishing Your First Game: Bounce!Mr. Stick Man Races for the ExitChapter 15: Creating Graphics for the Mr. Stick Man GameChapter 16: Developing the Mr. Stick Man GameChapter 17: Creating Mr. Stick ManChapter 18: Completing the Mr. Stick Man GameWhere to Go from HerePython KeywordsGlossaryUpdates