Learn Python Visually : Creative Coding with Processing.py

An accessible, visual, and creative approach to teaching core coding concepts using Python's Processing.py, an open-source graphical development environment. This beginners book introduces non-programmers to the fundamentals of computer coding within a visual, arts-focused context. Tristan Bunn’s remarkably effective teaching approach is designed to help you visualize core programming concepts while you make cool pictures, animations, and simulations using Python Mode for the open-source Processing development environment. Right from the first chapter, you'll produce and manipulate colorful drawings, shapes and patterns as Bunn walks you through a series of easy-to-follow graphical coding projects that grow increasingly complex. You’ll go from drawing with code to animating a bouncing DVD screensaver and practicing data-visualization techniques. Along the way, you’ll encounter creative-yet-practical skill-building challenges that relate to everything from video games, cars, and coffee, to fine art, amoebas, and Pink Floyd. As you grow more fluent in both Python and programming in general, topics shift toward the mastery of algorithmic thinking, as you explore periodic motion, Lissajous curves, and using classes to create objects. You’ll learn about: Basic coding theories and concepts, like variables, data types, pixel coordinates, control flow and algorithms Writing code that produces drawings, patterns, animations, data visualizations, user interfaces, and simulations Using conditional statements, iteration, randomness, lists and dictionaries Defining functions, reducing repetition, and making your code more modular How to write classes, and create objects to structure code more efficiently In addition to giving you a good grounding in general programming, the skills and knowledge you’ll gain in this book are your entry point to coding for an ever-expanding horizon of creative technologies. "The perfect book for first-time programmers, Learn Python Visually introduces the fundamentals of computer coding within a visual, graphics-based context. Tristan Bunn’s creative teaching approach will help you visualize core programming concepts as you make cool pictures, animations, and simulations using Python Mode for the open source Processing development environment.From the very first chapter, you’ll produce and manipulate colorful designs as Bunn walks you through a series of easy-to-follow graphical coding projects that grow increasingly complex. You’ll progress from drawing with code to animating a bouncing DVD screensaver to creating interactive programs. Along the way, you’ll encounter skill-building challenges on topics as diverse as video games, coffee, fine art, amoebas, and Pink Floyd.You’ll learn how to:Apply basic coding theories and concepts, like variables, data types, pixel coordinates, control flow, and algorithmsWrite code that produces drawings, patterns, animations, data visualizations, user interfaces, and simulationsUse code to explore randomness, handle CSV and JSON data, and generate animations that employ trigonometry for periodic motion and Lissajous curvesDefine functions, reduce repetition, and make your code more modularWrite classes and create objects to structure code more efficientlyIf you’ve ever dreamed of coding for data visualizations, computer-generated art, games, or other creative technologies, Learn Python Visually is the entry point you need." -- Page 4 de la couverture An accessible, visual, and creative approach to teaching Python programming using the software literacy-focused Processing development environment. Readers learn the foundations of programming as they write code that produces creative, intriguing, and aesthetically-pleasing results. An accessible, visual, and creative approach to teaching Python programming using the Processing development environment. Readers learn the theoretical and technical workings of computer programming as they write code that produces intriguing and aesthetically-pleasing results. Based on a decade's worth of lecturing experience, the author covers what works best for those looking to learn programming fundamentals in a visual context. These skills provide an entry point into the world of code art, making video games, web development, and other creative technologies. Among the topics covered in the book, readers will learn how computers manage color, how to draw and animate with code, how to add randomness to programs, some data visualization techniques, and handling mouse and keyboard interaction.