Problem-Solving with Python
About the Book
In the age of AI assistants like ChatGPT, knowing Python syntax is no longer enough. The real challenge is developing the problem-solving skills needed to evaluate, improve, and create effective solutions. This book focuses on building your computational thinking abilities—the mental models that help you approach any programming challenge with confidence.
Whether you're a complete beginner, someone who's tried learning programming before, or already using AI tools to write code, this book will help you develop the essential problem-solving skills that AI can't replace. You'll learn how to break down complex problems, design efficient algorithms, and evaluate code quality—skills that will serve you regardless of which programming language or AI tools you use.
Book Details
- 14 chapters covering Python fundamentals and problem-solving
- Practical projects in each chapter
- Focus on computational thinking and problem-solving
- No prior programming experience required
Table of Contents
- PrefaceWhy problem-solving is more important than syntax in the AI era
- Chapter 1: The Foundations of Computational ThinkingDeveloping mental models for problem-solving and understanding core CS principles
- Chapter 2: Getting Started with PythonPython basics, environment setup, and thinking in code
- Chapter 3: Representing and Manipulating DataPython data types, operations, and choosing the right representation for problems
- Chapter 4: Decision Making and Logical ReasoningConditionals, boolean logic, and breaking down complex decisions
- Chapter 5: Repetition and IterationFor and while loops, and identifying patterns to automate tasks
- Chapter 6: Abstraction and ModularityFunctions, scope, and decomposing complex problems into components
- Chapter 7: Organized Data: Sequences and ListsLists, tuples, and structuring data to solve collection-based problems
- Chapter 8: Key-Value Relationships with DictionariesDictionary operations and solving lookup and relationship problems
- Chapter 9: Set Theory in ComputingPython sets, mathematical operations, and unique data problem solutions
- Chapter 10: Handling ErrorsTry/except, debugging, and building robust solutions for unexpected situations
- Chapter 11: Modules and PackagesImport system, standard library, and leveraging existing solutions
- Chapter 12: File Input and OutputFile operations, context managers, and solving data persistence problems
- Chapter 13: Introduction to Object-Oriented ProgrammingClasses, objects, inheritance, and modeling real-world problems
- Chapter 14: Putting It All TogetherApplying the complete Python toolkit to build a real-world application
Prerequisites
This book assumes no prior programming experience. You'll need:
- A computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux
- Python 3.9 or newer installed (instructions are provided in Chapter 1)
- Curiosity and willingness to experiment
Even if you've never written a line of code before, this book will guide you through the process step by step, focusing on building your problem-solving skills alongside your programming knowledge.
Let's begin our journey into the world of computational thinking and Python programming!
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