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Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Python Programming: a gateway to the world of coding

By , Content Contributor

The tech world is growing rapidly, demanding more skilled programmers. Yet, coding is still an intimidating mountain to climb for many, with its complex jargon and seemingly impenetrable logic. Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Python Programming, a hands-on, project-based introduction to coding that requires no prior experience, could change that perception. Written by seasoned programmer Stirling Hale, this book can make learning Python possible and genuinely enjoyable for students, those desiring a career change or enhancement, or individuals simply curious about coding.

animation of a web developer sitting next to a python
Stirling Hale / Stirling Hale

Hale has over four decades of experience in the industry. He developed a lifelong passion after being introduced to coding in a university computer lab in 1976 at the age of 12 years old. Since then, he has worked as an Applications Architect and Senior Developer, designing and maintaining mission-critical systems for businesses, from nimble startups to multi-billion-dollar enterprises.

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With expertise in multiple languages, including C, C++, C#, Java, Go, and Python, and a desire to make programming accessible to as many people as possible, Hale made it his mission to be a mentor and educator. As an author, he intends to reach those who have never coded before.

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Many technical books assume a baseline level of experience. Complete beginners feel lost because of it. Hale aims to change that by creating a series of books under the “Absolute Beginner’s Guide” brand, ensuring that anyone—regardless of background—can take their first steps into coding. “I want to make programming approachable and enjoyable so that readers don’t just learn to code but really enjoy it,” he says.

Hale found joy in solving problems with code and realized that learning didn’t have to be dull or intimidating. He hopes to pass on that same sense of discovery and excitement to a new generation of learners and inspire others to explore the vast possibilities of programming through Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Python Programming. 

“There are so many people out there who would benefit from knowing a bit of programming, even if they never become professional developers,” Hale says. “Python is the perfect language for that.” So, why Python? In 2024, it ranked first among the most popular programming languages for a reason: it is the number one language for AI.

The ease of use usually comes at the cost of capability for many languages. Python balances both. This makes it the ideal first language for aspiring coders and provides a powerful tool to enter the worlds of artificial intelligence, web development, task automation, and data analysis. Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Python Programming is, therefore, written specifically for beginners—students, professionals looking to upskill, career changers, and even hobbyists who simply want to explore the exciting world of coding. It breaks down complex ideas into simple, step-by-step lessons so that those without prior experience can grasp the fundamentals.

Some might say, “But I’m not smart enough to code.”  Hale has a firm response: “I’ve taught countless people to program over the years, and I can tell you that nearly everyone can learn to code. The real question is whether they enjoy it. To be good at something, you must enjoy it. And Python, more than any other language, makes that first step easier and more enjoyable.”

Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Python Programming makes learning even more fun. It offers an immersive, hands-on learning experience through real-world projects, encouraging learners to code from day one rather than just absorbing theory. Best practices, debugging techniques, and professional coding habits are introduced throughout the book to help beginners avoid common pitfalls. “Learning by doing is key. I find it frustrating when books give examples that have no real-world relevance. I wanted my book to be different, so I filled it with relatable, engaging, and practical projects,” Hale shares.

The book includes fun and practical projects like a loan payment calculator, a Python quiz game, a simple AI-powered tic-tac-toe (naughts and crosses) opponent, and a personal expense tracker. In addition, to make learning more enjoyable, Hale incorporates humor throughout, using what he calls “Nerd Nuggets”—small, witty asides that add personality to the lessons.

As a means of helping people break into the industry and thrive, Hale offers a complementary download of Complete Career Guide for Entry-Level Software Engineers: Learn to Code, Build Soft Skills, Land Jobs & Advance in Your Programming Career, helping them navigate the path from beginner to professional. Both books serve as a bridge to future specializations. After mastering the fundamentals with Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Python Programming, readers have a solid foundation to explore fields like artificial intelligence, web development, task automation, and data analysis. 

Animation of web developer speaking in Hindi
Stirling Hale / Stirling Hale

Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Python Programming is an invitation into the world of coding. Hale, committed to making programming more accessible, has worked with translators to make the book available in Hindi and is currently translating it into Spanish. He aims to reach a broader audience because he’s well aware that aspiring programmers around the world face language barriers. The author hopes these translations will open doors for more people to enter the field.

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