PROGRAMMING

Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science
$40.00
This is a great intro book for those looking for a gentle introduction to programing. That said it claims to be an introduction to computer science, which it is not. It offers almost no coverage of theoretical computing issues that are the hallmark of the classic intro CS books.

In someways the distinction between intro CS and programing is unfair; however, it does track with the reality of freshman intro CS at all the universities I've known. Students in intro CS already know how to program. They may not know about von Neumann or Turning, their code is ugly, and they've never seen assembly, but they can program. It's because they can program that they are ready for an introduction to computer science.

This book is great for getting to the level of the average, even beyond the average, student in intro college CS. It, unlike intro CS (despite claims to the contrary), starts assuming nothing and builds forward in a logical way to teach readers how to make a computer do something. I would recommend this book for a programing class for non-majors, a high school class, adult education, intro to programing self study etc.

In the same way that this is not a real introduction to computer science it is not an introduction to Python. There are many books that would be vastly superior introductions to the Python language for those who are already competent programmers.

The real genius here is taking a well organized approach to introducing programing using a great language. This allows readers to get starting writing interesting programs quickly and doing so without learning horrible habits or without regard for the fundamentals of computer science. This in turn builds the enthusiasm it takes to survive the jump from programming to CS. In short, I wish that every student in CS101 had used this book for a class in high school, but I'd never use this book for CS101.

Beginning Programming For Dummies
$24.99
This is a good product but it most -if posible- to show grafic refernce for better comprehention

Programming for the Absolute Beginner (No Experience Required (Course Technology))
$29.99
For kids that want to learn how to play around this book is fine. For anyone looking to build a foundation upon which to build, this book leaves much wanting.

Beginning C++ Through Game Programming
$29.99
I've been teaching myself C++ programming for the last six months, working exercises from books like "C++ Without Fear"; "Practical C++ Programming" & "Teach Yourself C++". Dawson's book actually help to clarify loops, functions & arrays a bit more clearly than the above mentioned books. Don't misunderstand, those books are excellent resources as well. Dawson's writing style is appealing & easy on the eyes. He doesn't get the reader bogged down with superfulous jargon speak that only an experienced developer would understand. He guides the beginner step by step using chapter exercises, each building upon the previous. Question 3, at the end of Chapter one -- Write a program that gets three game scores from the user and displays the average -- is a simple program that can be completed by the beginner easily enough based on the chapter information. This book is must have for a beginning programmer wanting to learn how to create games for his/herself.