"How to Think Like a Computer Scientist: Learning with Python" is an introduction to computer science using the Python programming language. It covers the basics of computer programming, including variables and values, functions, conditionals and control flow, program development and debugging. Later chapters cover basic algorithms and data structures.

Review

...There's ... emphasis on teaching computer science not just as a technical trade but as a mental discipline. -- Benjamin Crowell, in "The Assayer", book reviews and discussion for the free-information renaissance

The concepts covered here apply to all programming languages and to problem solving in general. -- Guido van Rossum, creator of Python

This book is not just a programming textbook--it is a contribution to the freedom of knowledge. -- Richard M. Stallman, founder of the Free Software Foundation

About the Author

Allen Downey is a professor of computer science at Wellesley College in Massachusetts.

Jeffrey Elkner is a high school math and computer science teacher at Yorktown High School in Arlington, Virginia.

Chris Meyers is a professional programmer who teaches a beginning Python class at Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon.