Introduction to Computation and Programming Using Python

John V. Guttag’s Introduction to Computation and Programming Using Python, Second Edition, offers a clear and comprehensive introduction to the art of computational problem solving. Designed for students with little or no prior programming experience, this book guides readers through the fundamentals of Python alongside practical applications in understanding data. Drawing on concepts developed in an acclaimed MIT course, the text not only covers classic topics such as simple algorithms and computational complexity but also ventures into areas rarely addressed in introductory works. With chapters dedicated to information visualization, data modeling through simulations, and statistical reasoning, the book provides a well-rounded approach to making computational techniques accessible and useful for analyzing real-world data. Updated for Python 3 and featuring reorganized content to suit a range of course setups, this edition empowers learners to harness the power of Python libraries and modern computational methods. Whether used in traditional settings or online formats, this engaging text equips students with the necessary tools to explore and interpret data effectively.