The book serves as a first introduction to computer programming of scientific applications, using the high-level Python language. The exposition is example and problem-oriented, and the book lays a solid foundation for practicing computational science.

Computing with Formulas.- Loops and Lists.- Functions and Branching.- Input Data and Error Handling.- Array Computing and Curve Plotting.- Files, Strings and Dictionaries.- Introduction to Classes.- Random Numbers and Simple Games.- Object-Oriented Programming.- Sequences and Difference Equations.- Introduction to Discrete Calculus.- Introduction to Differential Equations.- A Complete Differential Equation Project.- Programming of Differential Equations.- Debugging.- Technical Topics.- Bibliography.- Index

From the reviews: "This book is an introduction to computer programming using the Python programming language. It focuses on numerical methods as the context for examples, exercises, and assignments. ... Langtangen ... does an excellent job of introducing programming as a set of skills in problem solving. He guides the reader into thinking properly about producing program logic and data structures for modeling real-world problems using objects and functions and embracing the object-oriented paradigm. ... Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals; general readers." (F. H. Wild III, Choice, Vol. 47 (8), April, 2010) "It is an authoritative and almost monumental work that covers most aspects of the Python language and its numerical modules. It definitely has a prominent place on my bookshelf. ... The text is well written ... . In summary, this is the book (the only book) to have if you are an aspiring Python programmer of scientific applications." (Jaan Kiusalaas, SIAM Review, Vol. 52 (3), September, 2010) "The book's title reflects its content accurately, the content is substantively scientific and the book is a very good programming book. ... This excellent book is quite rich mathematically, numerical methods, differential equations, treatments of shape, and a variety of exercises and projects are included. It will also impart a deep knowledge of python, one of today's most useful languages. I have learned a great deal from this book and recommend it highly." (George Hacken, ACM Computing Reviews, September, 2010) From the reviews of the second edition: "This book goes through Python in particular, and programming in general, via tasks that scientists will likely perform. ... If you want to learn Python ... this book is for you. ... this is an excellent book for the experienced programmer who wants to learn a new language and become a better programmer. It contains valuable information for students new to scientific computing, and would be the perfect bridge between an introduction to programming and an advanced course on numerical methods or computational science." (Alex Small, Computing in Science & Engineering, Vol. 14 (2), March/April, 2012)