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Starting Out with Python, Global Edition Paperback – 21 August 2014

4.4 out of 5 stars 183 ratings

This text is intended for a one-semester introductory programming course for students with limited programming experience.

In Starting Out with Python®, Third Edition Tony Gaddis’ evenly-paced, accessible coverage introduces students to the basics of programming and prepares them to transition into more complicated languages. Python, an easy-to-learn and increasingly popular object-oriented language, allows readers to become comfortable with the fundamentals of programming without the troublesome syntax that can be challenging for novices. With the knowledge acquired using Python, students gain confidence in their skills and learn to recognize the logic behind developing high-quality programs.


Starting Out with Python discusses control structures, functions, arrays, and pointers before objects and classes. As with all Gaddis texts, clear and easy-to-read code listings, concise and practical real-world examples, detail-oriented explanations, and an abundance of exercises appear in every chapter.

Teaching and Learning Experience

This program presents a better teaching and learning experience–for you and your students. It will help:

  • Enhance Learning with the Gaddis Approach: Gaddis’s accessible approach features clear and easy-to-read code listings, concise real-world examples, and exercises in every chapter.

  • Support Instructors and Students: Student and instructor resources are available to expand on the topics presented in the text.

  • Keep Your Course Current: This edition’s programs have been tested with Python 3.3.2.

There is a newer edition of this item:

Starting Out with Python, Global Edition
$136.23
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1292065508
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ P&C ECS
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 21 August 2014
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 3rd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 640 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781292065502
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1292065502
  • Item weight ‏ : ‎ 1.14 kg
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 20.4 x 2.4 x 25.6 cm
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 183 ratings

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Tony Gaddis
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4.4 out of 5 stars
183 global ratings

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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars It is straightforward and easy to follow
    Reviewed in Canada on 17 February 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Explains to first time users of the Python program in simple language. It is straightforward and easy to follow. However, it does not explain things like how to use separate windows or files.
  • Alper Akyuz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for beginners
    Reviewed in Turkey on 26 May 2022
    Verified Purchase
    As a math major that has no prior experience with computers, i found the book to be highly illuminating, not only as a introduction to python but to coding in general. This is a great book for absolute beginners. Though there are definitely better books for learning python for people with prior experience in other programming languages.
  • robdought
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent first programming book.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 April 2017
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    If new to Python and asking for help, you will probably be recommended either this book or Al Swigarts automate the boring stuff with python. In my opinion this book gives a much better introduction into starting to learn the syntax and how to write your own code. With this book you learn by doing and for me helped the concepts stick. The end of chapter questions are sometimes repetitive but that repetition helps cement the knowledge, especially if you do say all the odd questions on the first pass; then going back through to do the evens to revise the topics. By the end of the book, by completing the end of chapter questions you will be in an excellent position to begin using code in real life scenarios, at which point you may find the second half of Automate The Boring Stuff useful.

    If you are new to programming get this book. You will not be disappointed and will have obtained a solid foundation.
  • phantom
    5.0 out of 5 stars Learn Python the most Easy and Effective Way!
    Reviewed in the United States on 4 April 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This book is very good for beginners that wants to learn programming ! Better than Zed Shaw's Learn Python the Hard Way, because you are learning and understanding the concepts, instead of just coding without knowing the definitions of Strings, def, tuples, lists, dictionaries.

    Before you jump into other programming languages, learn Python first. because it is simple and you will get the structure/basics/concepts of how programming works! Then once you learn Python and get the hang of it, other programming languages will make a lot of sense.

    This book is very simple, breaks it down by chapters/lessons. It is easy to follow and helps you understands the concepts/basics. It has a mix of readings and examples. Programming exercises and Homework at the end of the chapter helps a lot! Do them. instead of just reading the book and skimming! if you do get stuck, there are many resources, You-Tube videos out there to help you.
  • Uj
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant for beginners
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 January 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This is almost certainly THE best book for beginners, in fact it should be used as the de facto resource on the main Python web page for starter programmers. It explains everything in a way that clears up any misunderstanding you may have made and hand holds you all the way.
    Pay the money for the actual book and make notes...try your best to type in the code as the examples are normally small and non to complex. The book is a keeper...even when you finish it, you will end up going back to it for something.