Learn Python Visually

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The perfect book for first-time programmers, Learn Python Visually introduces the fundamentals of computer coding within a visual, graphics-based context. Tristan Bunn’s creative teaching approach will help you visualize core programming concepts as you make cool pictures, animations, and simulations using Python Mode for the open source Processing development environment.

From the very first chapter, you’ll produce and manipulate colorful designs as Bunn walks you through a series of easy-to-follow graphical coding projects that grow increasingly complex. You’ll progress from drawing with code to animating a bouncing DVD screensaver to creating interactive programs. Along the way, you’ll encounter skill-building challenges on topics as diverse as video games, coffee, fine art, amoebas, and Pink Floyd.

You’ll learn how to:

• Apply basic coding theories and concepts, like variables, data types, pixel coordinates, control flow, and algorithms
• Write code that produces drawings, patterns, animations, data visualizations, user interfaces, and simulations
• Use code to explore randomness, handle CSV and JSON data, and generate animations that employ trigonometry for periodic motion and Lissajous curves
• Define functions, reduce repetition, and make your code more modular
• Write classes and create objects to structure code more efficiently

If you’ve ever dreamed of coding for data visualizations, computer-generated art, games, or other creative technologies, Learn Python Visually is the entry point you need.

Tristan Bunn kicked off his web design career back in the days of PlayStation 1, grunge music, and dial-up modems. Since then, he’s worked on a diverse range of digital projects for varied clients. He’s currently involved in lecturing, research, and work that blends code, interaction, interface design, and creativity. Bunn has years of experience teaching coding for art, games, web, and other creative technologies.

Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Hello, World!
Chapter 2: Drawing More Complicated Shapes
Chapter 3: Introduction to Strings and Working with Text
Chapter 4: Conditional Statements
Chapter 5: Iteration and Randomness
Chapter 6: Motion and Transformation
Chapter 7: Working with Lists and Reading Data
Chapter 8: Dictionaries and JSON
Chapter 9: Functions and Periodic Motion
Chapter 10: Object-Oriented Programming and PVector
Chapter 11: Mouse and Keyboard Interaction
Afterword

View the detailed Table of Contents

"Learn Python Visually brings two very exciting threads together - using Python to code projects, and using Processing for making art. The book welcomes beginners by covering how to get started with the basics like shapes and color but extends the learning far by covering complex topics like object-orientation in an accessible fashion. I am excited to see what students, teachers, artists, anyone can make using this book."
—Saber Khan, Education Community Director, Processing Foundation

"Learn Python Visually might be one of the most creatively-minded, practical introductions to basic programming, presented in a rewarding environment, using a highly relevant language. . . . Its modern design is easy to follow and it finds a nice balance between being educational, and inspirational."
—Dr. Rer. Nat. Ralf Biedert, Principal Engineer, Tobii AB

"The sample programs are nicely selected and each deal with a different topic . . . [provides] the necessary detail, but still compact. I believe the book will be a rich source of inspiration."
—Alfred Abusomwan, Techs Blog

Read a Q&A with the author at Python Library