In Python from the Very Beginning John Whitington takes a no-prerequisites approach to teaching a modern general-purpose programming language. Each small, self-contained chapter introduces a new topic, building until the reader can write quite substantial programs. There are plenty of questions and, crucially, worked answers and hints.

Python from the Very Beginning will appeal both to new programmers, and to experienced programmers eager to explore a new language. It is suitable both for formal use within an undergraduate or graduate curriculum, and for the interested amateur.

Chapters:

Getting Ready Starting Off Names and Functions Again and Again Making Lists More with Lists and Strings Prettier Printing Arranging Things When Things Go Wrong More with Files The Other Numbers The Standard Library Building Bigger Programs Project 1: Pretty Pictures Project 2: Counting Calories Project 3: Noughts and Crosses Project 4: Photo Finish Answers to Questions Hints for Questions