Introduction to Python Programming and Data Structures

Learning Python is more than memorizing syntax: it means learning how to break a problem into steps, choose a useful structure, and turn an idea into working code. Introduction to Python Programming and Data Structures takes that fundamentals-first route, building from basic programming concepts toward object-oriented design and core data structures.

Build a foundation before the advanced topics

The book begins with computers, programs, and elementary Python, then develops selections, loops, functions, strings, and lists. This progression gives new programmers room to understand how code behaves before they take on larger abstractions. Explanations are paired with examples, case studies, chapter summaries, key terms, and programming exercises.

From everyday Python to larger programs

Later chapters introduce classes and objects, inheritance and polymorphism, file handling, exception handling, recursion, and graphical interface programming with Tkinter. The contents also reach into algorithm efficiency, sorting, linked lists, stacks, queues, priority queues, and binary search trees, with further coverage of hashing and graphs.

Practice problem-solving, not just syntax

Case studies apply concepts to concrete programming tasks, while exercises offer opportunities to put the ideas into practice. The third edition includes updated examples and exercises, with topics such as Python’s match-case statements and expanded data-structures coverage.

Who may find it useful?

This textbook is aimed at readers starting out with Python, particularly students who want a guided introduction that continues beyond the language basics into algorithms and data structures. Its staged approach also makes it a useful reference for revisiting a topic as programming projects grow in complexity.

For a course or a self-directed study plan, Liang’s book offers a clear progression: learn the building blocks, practice applying them, then explore the structures and techniques that help programs handle more demanding problems.