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Python for Software Design: How to think like a Computer Scientist
The goal of this book is to teach you to think like a computer scientist. This way
of thinking combines some of the best features of mathematics, engineering, and
natural science. Like mathematicians, computer scientists use formal languages to
denote ideas (specifically computations). Like engineers, they design things, assembling components into systems and evaluating tradeoffs among alternatives. Like scientists, they observe the behavior of complex systems, form hypotheses, and test predictions. The single most important skill for a computer scientist is problem solving. Problem
solving means the ability to formulate problems, think creatively about solutions,
and express a solution clearly and accurately. As it turns out, the process of learning
to program is an excellent opportunity to practice problem-solving skills. That’s why
this chapter is called “The way of the program.” On one level, you will be learning to program, a useful skill by itself. On another level, you will use programming as a means to an end. As we go along, that end will
become clearer.
of thinking combines some of the best features of mathematics, engineering, and
natural science. Like mathematicians, computer scientists use formal languages to
denote ideas (specifically computations). Like engineers, they design things, assembling components into systems and evaluating tradeoffs among alternatives. Like scientists, they observe the behavior of complex systems, form hypotheses, and test predictions. The single most important skill for a computer scientist is problem solving. Problem
solving means the ability to formulate problems, think creatively about solutions,
and express a solution clearly and accurately. As it turns out, the process of learning
to program is an excellent opportunity to practice problem-solving skills. That’s why
this chapter is called “The way of the program.” On one level, you will be learning to program, a useful skill by itself. On another level, you will use programming as a means to an end. As we go along, that end will
become clearer.
1079 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2019
4 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Allen B. Downey
37 books233 followersAllen Downey is a Professor Emeritus at Olin College and the author of a series of freetextbooks related to software and data science, including Think Python, Think Bayes, and Think Complexity, which are also published by O’Reilly Media. His blog, Probably Overthinking It, features articles on Bayesian probability and statistics. He holds a Ph.D. in computer science from U.C. Berkeley, and M.S. and B.S. degrees from MIT.
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