Introduction to Python Programming

Learning Python is easier when the fundamentals arrive in a useful order: first understand what a program is doing, then build toward the tools that let you organize and apply your code. Introduction to Python Programming follows that path, pairing core language concepts with problem-solving practice and, later, an introduction to data science.

Start with the building blocks

The opening chapters introduce statements, input and output, variables, strings, numbers and expressions. From there, the text develops decisions and loops before turning to functions and modules. This steady progression helps connect individual Python features to the larger task of writing programs that behave as intended.

Work with Python’s everyday structures

Readers move on to strings, lists and dictionaries, learning how to organize, inspect and manipulate data. Later chapters introduce classes and instances, recursion, inheritance, and reading and writing files—including CSV files and exception handling.

Practice as concepts develop

The book is organized into concise, topic-focused sections with programming practice. The associated OpenStax learning resource also describes interactive questions, video-based explanations and a browser-based Python Code Runner, giving learners ways to test their understanding as they go.

Take a first step toward data science

The final subject chapter introduces data science through NumPy, Pandas, exploratory data analysis and data visualization. It gives the book a useful destination beyond introductory syntax: readers can see how Python fundamentals connect with working with and examining data.

A broad introduction for new programmers

Designed for introductory study, this textbook can serve learners in computer science as well as business, science, social science, statistics and data science. Its chapter summaries and answer key also support review and self-study.