This books teaches fundamental programming concepts using the powerful, yet easy to learn, Python programming language. Python is a cross-platform language used by organizations such as Google and NASA, designed for rapid application prototyping and development. Used by itself or with other languages, Python allows the developer to quickly and efficiently write programs without getting in the way. This book provides the reader with basic programming ideas, applicable to a wide range of tasks and can be used with other languages. After completing this book, the reader should be able to quickly create simple to moderately complex programs and have a foundation for further study. Topics include: core Python language (both versions 2.x and 3.x), object-oriented programming, databases, graphical user interfaces, web programming, and simple game development.