Applied Computational Thinking with Python


Book Description

Use the computational thinking philosophy to solve complex problems by designing appropriate algorithms to produce optimal results across various domains Key FeaturesDevelop logical reasoning and problem-solving skills that will help you tackle complex problemsExplore core computer science concepts and important computational thinking elements using practical examplesFind out how to identify the best-suited algorithmic solution for your problemBook Description Computational thinking helps you to develop logical processing and algorithmic thinking while solving real-world problems across a wide range of domains. It's an essential skill that you should possess to keep ahead of the curve in this modern era of information technology. Developers can apply their knowledge of computational thinking to solve problems in multiple areas, including economics, mathematics, and artificial intelligence. This book begins by helping you get to grips with decomposition, pattern recognition, pattern generalization and abstraction, and algorithm design, along with teaching you how to apply these elements practically while designing solutions for challenging problems. You’ll then learn about various techniques involved in problem analysis, logical reasoning, algorithm design, clusters and classification, data analysis, and modeling, and understand how computational thinking elements can be used together with these aspects to design solutions. Toward the end, you will discover how to identify pitfalls in the solution design process and how to choose the right functionalities to create the best possible algorithmic solutions. By the end of this algorithm book, you will have gained the confidence to successfully apply computational thinking techniques to software development. What you will learnFind out how to use decomposition to solve problems through visual representationEmploy pattern generalization and abstraction to design solutionsBuild analytical skills required to assess algorithmic solutionsUse computational thinking with Python for statistical analysisUnderstand the input and output needs for designing algorithmic solutionsUse computational thinking to solve data processing problemsIdentify errors in logical processing to refine your solution designApply computational thinking in various domains, such as cryptography, economics, and machine learningWho this book is for This book is for students, developers, and professionals looking to develop problem-solving skills and tactics involved in writing or debugging software programs and applications. Familiarity with Python programming is required.




Introduction to Python for Engineers and Scientists


Book Description

Familiarize yourself with the basics of Python for engineering and scientific computations using this concise, practical tutorial that is focused on writing code to learn concepts. Introduction to Python is useful for industry engineers, researchers, and students who are looking for open-source solutions for numerical computation. In this book you will learn by doing, avoiding technical jargon, which makes the concepts easy to learn. First you’ll see how to run basic calculations, absorbing technical complexities incrementally as you progress toward advanced topics. Throughout, the language is kept simple to ensure that readers at all levels can grasp the concepts. What You'll Learn Understand the fundamentals of the Python programming language Apply Python to numerical computational programming projects in engineering and science Discover the Pythonic way of life Apply data types, operators, and arrays Carry out plotting for visualization Work with functions and loops Who This Book Is For Engineers, scientists, researchers, and students who are new to Python. Some prior programming experience would be helpful but not required.




Head First Learn to Code


Book Description

What will you learn from this book? Itâ??s no secret the world around you is becoming more connected, more configurable, more programmable, more computational. You can remain a passive participant, or you can learn to code. With Head First Learn to Code youâ??ll learn how to think computationally and how to write code to make your computer, mobile device, or anything with a CPU do things for you. Using the Python programming language, youâ??ll learn step by step the core concepts of programming as well as many fundamental topics from computer science, such as data structures, storage, abstraction, recursion, and modularity. Why does this book look so different? Based on the latest research in cognitive science and learning theory, Head First Learn to Code uses a visually rich format to engage your mind, rather than a text-heavy approach that puts you to sleep. Why waste your time struggling with new concepts? This multi-sensory learning experience is designed for the way your brain really works.




The Practice of Computing Using Python


Book Description

For courses in Python Programming Introduces Python programming with an emphasis on problem-solving Now in its Third Edition, Practice of Computing Using Python continues to effectively introduce readers to computational thinking using Python, with a strong emphasis on problem solving through computer science. The authors have chosen Python for its simplicity, powerful built-in data structures, advanced control constructs, and practicality. The text is built from the ground up for Python programming, rather than having been translated from Java or C++. Focusing on data manipulation and analysis as a theme, the text allows readers to work on real problems using Internet-sourced or self-generated data sets that represent their own work and interests. The authors also emphasize program development and provide readers of all backgrounds with a practical foundation in programming that suit their needs. Among other changes, the Third Edition incorporates a switch to the Anaconda distribution, the SPYDER IDE, and a focus on debugging and GUIs. Also available with MyProgrammingLab(TM) MyProgrammingLab is an online learning system designed to engage students and improve results. MyProgrammingLab consists of a set of programming exercises correlated to specific Pearson CS1/Intro to Programming textbooks. Through practice exercises and immediate, personalized feedback, MyProgrammingLab improves the programming competence of beginning students who often struggle with the basic concepts of programming languages. Note: You are purchasing a standalone product; MyLab(TM) & Mastering(TM) does not come packaged with this content. Students, if interested in purchasing this title with MyLab & Mastering, ask your instructor for the correct package ISBN and Course ID. Instructors, contact your Pearson representative for more information. If you would like to purchase boththe physical text and MyLab & Mastering, search for: 0134520513 / 9780134520513 The Practice of Computing Using Python plus MyProgrammingLab with Pearson eText -- Access Card Package, 3/e Package consists of: 0134381327 / 9780134381329 MyProgrammingLab with Pearson eText -- Access Card Package 0134379764 / 9780134379760 The Practice of Computing Using Python, 3/e




A Primer on Scientific Programming with Python


Book Description

The book serves as a first introduction to computer programming of scientific applications, using the high-level Python language. The exposition is example and problem-oriented, where the applications are taken from mathematics, numerical calculus, statistics, physics, biology and finance. The book teaches "Matlab-style" and procedural programming as well as object-oriented programming. High school mathematics is a required background and it is advantageous to study classical and numerical one-variable calculus in parallel with reading this book. Besides learning how to program computers, the reader will also learn how to solve mathematical problems, arising in various branches of science and engineering, with the aid of numerical methods and programming. By blending programming, mathematics and scientific applications, the book lays a solid foundation for practicing computational science. From the reviews: Langtangen ... does an excellent job of introducing programming as a set of skills in problem solving. He guides the reader into thinking properly about producing program logic and data structures for modeling real-world problems using objects and functions and embracing the object-oriented paradigm. ... Summing Up: Highly recommended. F. H. Wild III, Choice, Vol. 47 (8), April 2010 Those of us who have learned scientific programming in Python ‘on the streets’ could be a little jealous of students who have the opportunity to take a course out of Langtangen’s Primer.” John D. Cook, The Mathematical Association of America, September 2011 This book goes through Python in particular, and programming in general, via tasks that scientists will likely perform. It contains valuable information for students new to scientific computing and would be the perfect bridge between an introduction to programming and an advanced course on numerical methods or computational science. Alex Small, IEEE, CiSE Vol. 14 (2), March /April 2012 “This fourth edition is a wonderful, inclusive textbook that covers pretty much everything one needs to know to go from zero to fairly sophisticated scientific programming in Python...” Joan Horvath, Computing Reviews, March 2015




Programming for Computations - Python


Book Description

This book presents computer programming as a key method for solving mathematical problems. There are two versions of the book, one for MATLAB and one for Python. The book was inspired by the Springer book TCSE 6: A Primer on Scientific Programming with Python (by Langtangen), but the style is more accessible and concise, in keeping with the needs of engineering students. The book outlines the shortest possible path from no previous experience with programming to a set of skills that allows the students to write simple programs for solving common mathematical problems with numerical methods in engineering and science courses. The emphasis is on generic algorithms, clean design of programs, use of functions, and automatic tests for verification.




Introduction to Computational Thinking


Book Description

Learn approaches of computational thinking and the art of designing algorithms. Most of the algorithms you will see in this book are used in almost all software that runs on your computer. Learning how to program can be very rewarding. It is a special feeling to seeing a computer translate your thoughts into actions and see it solve your problems for you. To get to that point, however, you must learn to think about computations in a new way—you must learn computational thinking. This book begins by discussing models of the world and how to formalize problems. This leads onto a definition of computational thinking and putting computational thinking in a broader context. The practical coding in the book is carried out in Python; you’ll get an introduction to Python programming, including how to set up your development environment. What You Will Learn Think in a computational way Acquire general techniques for problem solving See general and concrete algorithmic techniques Program solutions that are both computationally efficient and maintainable Who This Book Is For Those new to programming and computer science who are interested in learning how to program algorithms and working with other computational aspects of programming.




Effective Computation in Physics


Book Description

More physicists today are taking on the role of software developer as part of their research, but software development isnâ??t always easy or obvious, even for physicists. This practical book teaches essential software development skills to help you automate and accomplish nearly any aspect of research in a physics-based field. Written by two PhDs in nuclear engineering, this book includes practical examples drawn from a working knowledge of physics concepts. Youâ??ll learn how to use the Python programming language to perform everything from collecting and analyzing data to building software and publishing your results. In four parts, this book includes: Getting Started: Jump into Python, the command line, data containers, functions, flow control and logic, and classes and objects Getting It Done: Learn about regular expressions, analysis and visualization, NumPy, storing data in files and HDF5, important data structures in physics, computing in parallel, and deploying software Getting It Right: Build pipelines and software, learn to use local and remote version control, and debug and test your code Getting It Out There: Document your code, process and publish your findings, and collaborate efficiently; dive into software licenses, ownership, and copyright procedures




Introduction to Python Programming


Book Description

Introduction to Python Programming is written for students who are beginners in the field of computer programming. This book presents an intuitive approach to the concepts of Python Programming for students. This book differs from traditional texts not only in its philosophy but also in its overall focus, level of activities, development of topics, and attention to programming details. The contents of the book are chosen with utmost care after analyzing the syllabus for Python course prescribed by various top universities in USA, Europe, and Asia. Since the prerequisite know-how varies significantly from student to student, the book’s overall overture addresses the challenges of teaching and learning of students which is fine-tuned by the authors’ experience with large sections of students. This book uses natural language expressions instead of the traditional shortened words of the programming world. This book has been written with the goal to provide students with a textbook that can be easily understood and to make a connection between what students are learning and how they may apply that knowledge. Features of this book This book does not assume any previous programming experience, although of course, any exposure to other programming languages is useful This book introduces all of the key concepts of Python programming language with helpful illustrations Programming examples are presented in a clear and consistent manner Each line of code is numbered and explained in detail Use of f-strings throughout the book Hundreds of real-world examples are included and they come from fields such as entertainment, sports, music and environmental studies Students can periodically check their progress with in-chapter quizzes that appear in all chapters




Introduction to Numerical Programming


Book Description

Makes Numerical Programming More Accessible to a Wider Audience Bearing in mind the evolution of modern programming, most specifically emergent programming languages that reflect modern practice, Numerical Programming: A Practical Guide for Scientists and Engineers Using Python and C/C++ utilizes the author’s many years of practical research and teaching experience to offer a systematic approach to relevant programming concepts. Adopting a practical, broad appeal, this user-friendly book offers guidance to anyone interested in using numerical programming to solve science and engineering problems. Emphasizing methods generally used in physics and engineering—from elementary methods to complex algorithms—it gradually incorporates algorithmic elements with increasing complexity. Develop a Combination of Theoretical Knowledge, Efficient Analysis Skills, and Code Design Know-How The book encourages algorithmic thinking, which is essential to numerical analysis. Establishing the fundamental numerical methods, application numerical behavior and graphical output needed to foster algorithmic reasoning, coding dexterity, and a scientific programming style, it enables readers to successfully navigate relevant algorithms, understand coding design, and develop efficient programming skills. The book incorporates real code, and includes examples and problem sets to assist in hands-on learning. Begins with an overview on approximate numbers and programming in Python and C/C++, followed by discussion of basic sorting and indexing methods, as well as portable graphic functionality Contains methods for function evaluation, solving algebraic and transcendental equations, systems of linear algebraic equations, ordinary differential equations, and eigenvalue problems Addresses approximation of tabulated functions, regression, integration of one- and multi-dimensional functions by classical and Gaussian quadratures, Monte Carlo integration techniques, generation of random variables, discretization methods for ordinary and partial differential equations, and stability analysis This text introduces platform-independent numerical programming using Python and C/C++, and appeals to advanced undergraduate and graduate students in natural sciences and engineering, researchers involved in scientific computing, and engineers carrying out applicative calculations.