Interactive Python eBook

Brad Miller and I have been teaching CS150 this fall using a new online, interactive textbook. A public version is available at http://thinkcspy.appspot.com. Take a look. The text allows users to read and program, all from within the browser.

Second Edition Blog

Please visit pythonds.blogspot.com for up to date information about the second edition of the Python Data Structures textbook.

Python Data Structures Second Edition

The second edition of our Problem Solving with Algorithms and Data Structures using Python has gone to press. The text includes increased use of complexity analysis, linked lists, balanced trees, and great graphical recursive examples (with no special graphics packages...just Python turtle). Python 3.x compliant. Check out the Franklin Beedle (fbeedle.com) website for details on availability.

YouTube Channel

I've been experimenting this semester with creating support material for my Introduction to Computer Science course using short, YouTube videos (video podcasts). You can check out my channel at http://www.youtube.com/davidranum or follow the link in my favorites list.

Python 3.1

The newest release of Python3, version 3.1, is now final as of this week. Download and install from www.python.org (or follow the link in my favorite sites section). This is likely the version that we will be using for fall 2009 courses.

Python 3.0.1 released

If you haven't made the switch to Python 3, now is a good time to do so with the release of this next version.  There is now a nice Mac disk image as well. 

First Year Seminar with Alice

I just finished teaching a January term first year seminar course (highlighted in this YouTube video). Nineteen students (all non computer science students) explored computer science and programming. We used the Alice programming environment which allowed us to construct some interesting 3D animations. In general, the students seemed to like the challenge of providing instructions for their 3D worlds. Although I enjoyed teaching with Alice, I am still convinced that Python is the appropriate programming language for beginning students. This is especially the case when used with our cTurtle (turtle graphics) and cImage (image processing) modules.

Python

Some of you may be looking for Python resources related to our textbooks. The PythonWorks website has been our primary repository for material. However, for our most recent book, Python Programming in Context, we are also going to use a blog to track errors and comments. You can find the link in My Blog List.