HOUSTON – (March 19, 2024) – Now available from OpenStax, the world’s leading provider of free, peer-reviewed, openly licensed content based at Rice University, is “Introduction to Python Programming.”  

Like all OpenStax resources, access to “Introduction to Python Programming” is not limited to traditional educators and students in educational contexts. Anyone interested in learning, upskilling, reskilling or honing their existing programming skills can access OpenStax content completely free online. This textbook marks an expansion into computer science and represents a significant milestone in providing accessible educational resources to students worldwide.

The new book provides a comprehensive foundation in programming concepts and skills and is aligned with most introductory programming. This free resource is suitable for a diverse learner audience, including those pursuing computer science, business, science, social science, statistics, data science and related areas of study and employment. 

“With built-in animated videos illustrating a step-by-step approach to Python code and an interactive code runner for practice, we were able to condense the amount of written material in the book to what is most meaningful,” said Udayan Das, professor at St. Mary’s College of California and contributing author of the textbook.  “Other Python programming textbooks available in the market are quite dense, but this book is not only free, it actually shows students how fundamental programming concepts are created, used, assigned, executed and applied.”  

This latest release from OpenStax is unique because of its highly interactive nature. The offering was developed to include embedded tutorial videos and interactive programming tools and activities. The integration of a unique code runner allows students to apply what they learn in real-time, reinforcing their understanding of Python programming concepts. Each section of content within the textbook is designed to foster active learning and student engagement. 

“Our mission is to make an amazing education accessible to all,” said Richard Baraniuk, founder and executive director of OpenStax and professor of electrical and computer engineering at Rice. “The publication of ‘Introduction to Python Programming’ represents a significant step forward in achieving that mission, and we are proud to offer this valuable resource for free to learners around the world.” 

“Introduction to Python Programming” is now available for free here on the OpenStax website.