Description
You know how to write Python. Now master the computer science that makes it work.
If youve been programming for a while, you may have found yourself wondering about the deeper principles behind the code. How are programming languages implemented? What does an interpreter really do? How does the microprocessor execute instructions at a fundamental level? How does a machine learning algorithm make decisions?
Computer Science from Scratch is for experienced Python programmers who want to fill in those gapsnot through abstract lectures, but through carefully designed projects that bring core CS concepts to life. Understanding these fundamental building blocks will make you a more versatile and effective programmer.
Each chapter presents a focused, hands-on project that teaches a fundamental idea in computer science:
INTERPRETERS: Understand syntax, parsing, and evaluation by writing a BASIC interpreter
EMULATORS: Learn computer architecture by building an NES emulator from the ground up
GRAPHICS: Explore image manipulation and algorithmic art through computer graphics projects
MACHINE LEARNING: Demystify classification by implementing a simple, readable KNN model
These projects arent about building toolstheyre structured lessons that use code to reveal how computing works. Each chapter concludes with real-world context, thoughtful extensions, and exercises to deepen your understanding.
Authored by David Kopec, a computer science professor and author of the popular Classic Computer Science Problems series, this is not a beginners book, and its not a theory-heavy academic text. Its a practical, code-driven introduction to the essential ideas and mechanisms of computer sciencewritten for programmers who want more than syntax.
If youve been writing Python and are ready to explore the foundations behind computing, this book will guide you therewith clarity, depth, and purpose.
Author: David Kopec
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: No Starch Press
Published: 09/30/2025
Pages: 280
Weight: 1.2lbs
Size: 9.40h x 6.90w x 0.70d
ISBN: 9781718504301
Language: English
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