Python Programming: From Beginner to Pro

A modern, practical guide to Python programming

📚 About This Book

This textbook is designed to take you from complete beginner to confident Python programmer through practical, real-world examples and hands-on projects. Each chapter builds upon the previous one, gradually introducing more complex concepts while reinforcing fundamental programming principles.

🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this book, you will:

• Understand core Python programming concepts
• Write clean, efficient Python code
• Build real-world applications
• Debug and solve common programming problems
• Apply best practices in Python development

📖 Table of Contents

1. First Steps into Programming with Python
2. Variables and Data Types
3. Control Flow: Making Decisions in Code
4. Functions and Modules
5. Data Structures: Lists, Tuples, and Dictionaries
6. Object-Oriented Programming
7. File Handling and Input/Output
8. Error Handling and Debugging
9. Working with External Libraries
10. Building Real-World Applications

🛠️ Prerequisites

To use this book, you'll need:

• A computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux
• Basic computer skills
• Internet connection for downloading Python
• Text editor (VS Code recommended)
• Enthusiasm for learning!

💻 Setting Up Your Environment

Installing Python

1. Visit python.org/downloads
2. Download the latest version of Python
3. Run the installer
   • Windows: Check "Add Python to PATH"
   • Mac/Linux: Follow default installation

Installing VS Code

1. Download VS Code from code.visualstudio.com
2. Install recommended extensions:
   • Python
   • Jupyter
   • Markdown All in One

📁 Project Structure

python-textbook/
├── README.md
├── _config.yml                  # Jupyter Book configuration
├── _toc.yml                     # Table of contents
├── chapters/
│   ├── chapter1/               # First Steps into Programming
│   │   ├── index.md
│   │   ├── examples/
│   │   └── exercises/
│   ├── chapter2/               # Variables and Data Types
│   │   ├── index.md
│   │   ├── examples/
│   │   └── exercises/
│   └── ...
├── code/                       # Complete code examples
│   ├── chapter1/
│   ├── chapter2/
│   └── ...
├── exercises/                  # Practice exercises
│   ├── chapter1/
│   ├── chapter2/
│   └── ...
└── solutions/                  # Exercise solutions
    ├── chapter1/
    ├── chapter2/
    └── ...

🎓 How to Use This Book

For Self-Study

1. Read each chapter sequentially
2. Complete all exercises before moving on
3. Type out all code examples yourself
4. Experiment with the code
5. Complete end-of-chapter projects

For Teachers

1. Use chapter summaries for lecture planning
2. Assign exercises from exercise directory
3. Use solutions as teaching aids
4. Modify projects to suit your class

🤝 Contributing

Reporting Issues

1. Check existing issues first
2. Include chapter and section references
3. Provide clear steps to reproduce problems
4. Include system information if relevant

Suggesting Improvements

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch
3. Make your changes
4. Submit a pull request

Style Guide

• Follow PEP 8 for Python code
• Use Markdown for documentation
• Include comments in code examples
• Keep examples simple and focused

📝 License

This textbook is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. You are free to:

• Share — copy and redistribute the material
• Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material

Under the following terms:

• Attribution — You must give appropriate credit
• NonCommercial — You may not use the material for commercial purposes
• ShareAlike — If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you must distribute your contributions under the same license

✨ Acknowledgments

Special thanks to:

• All contributors who helped improve this book
• The Python community for their invaluable resources
• Students and teachers who provided feedback

📧 Contact

For questions or suggestions:

• Create an issue in the repository
• Email: davitacols@gmail.com

🚀 Getting Started

1. Clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/davitacols/pythonExerciseBook.git

2. Install dependencies:

pip install -r requirements.txt

3. Open in VS Code:

code python-textbook

4. Start with Chapter 1:

cd python-textbook
code chapters/chapter1/index.md

⭐ Support This Project

If you find this textbook helpful:

• Star the repository
• Share with others
• Report issues
• Contribute improvements
• Provide feedback

Happy coding! 🐍