Learn to Code by Solving Problems, 2nd Edition

A problem-first introduction to Python in which beginners learn to plan solutions, test ideas, and think like programmers, with real challenges and immediate online feedback.

The fun part isn’t typing the code. It’s figuring out the solution.

A problem lands in front of you. You’re not sure how to solve it. Good. That’s where programming starts.

Learn to Code by Solving Problems, 2nd Edition teaches Python by giving you something worth figuring out. Each chapter starts with a challenge drawn from competitive programming (games, sports, music, or an everyday puzzle) and introduces the Python concepts you need to solve it.

You’ll learn to break problems into smaller pieces, plan an approach, write and test a solution, and diagnose what went wrong when the answer isn’t quite right. Variables, loops, functions, and data structures become tools for solving problems, not vocabulary words to memorize.

And you get feedback. Submit solutions to online programming judges that test your code. Pass the cases? Move on. Miss something? Track down the mistake, improve your program, and try again.

The second edition adds more guidance on planning, testing, debugging, and using AI as an optional tutor rather than an answer machine.

No programming experience required. Bring your curiosity, your willingness to experiment, and a stubborn streak. Those are good programming tools, too.

YOU’LL LEARN TO:
Break unfamiliar problems into clear, manageable stepsUse Python variables, loops, functions, and data structures to solve challengesSubmit working solutions to online judges and learn from immediate feedbackTest, debug, and improve code instead of guessingDevelop problem-solving habits that transfer beyond Python
Covers: Python fundamentals, computational thinking, problem-solving, program design, testing, debugging, and learning with generative AI.

Requires: Basic computer skills, such as opening and saving files. No programming experience or AI tools required.