A Primer on Scientific Programming with Python

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)