Python Crash Course: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming book cover

Python Crash Course

A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming

Eric Matthes
4.36(3030 Reviews)

Overview of Python Crash Course

Unlock Python's power with the world's bestselling programming guide (1.5+ million copies sold). From game development to data visualization, this hands-on crash course transforms beginners into coding pros. What career-changing project will you build first?

Key Themes in Python Crash Course

  • beginner coding fundamentals
  • data structure manipulation
  • conditional logic flow
  • hands-on project learning

Quotes from Python Crash Course

  • Python keeps things simple.

  • Python's lists emerge as one of its most powerful features.

Characters in Python Crash Course

  • Eric MatthesAuthor and former high school teacher
  • Ada LovelaceHistorical figure used in string examples
  • CarolinaMagician used in list and loop examples

About the Author

About the Author of Python Crash Course

Eric Matthes is the bestselling author of Python Crash Course and an educator renowned for making programming accessible to beginners worldwide.

His hands-on, project-based guide to Python—now in its third edition—has become the definitive introductory programming text, blending clear instruction with real-world applications in data visualization, web development, and game design.

A former high school physics and math teacher from Alaska, Matthes refined his teaching methods through decades of classroom experience before transitioning to full-time writing and open-source development in 2019. He maintains active engagement with readers through his website (ehmatthes.com) and programming tools like Django Simple Deploy, while his popular Python cheat sheets continue to help learners master core concepts.

Python Crash Course has sold over 1.5 million copies, been translated into 14 languages, and remains the best-selling Python book globally, trusted by universities, coding bootcamps, and self-taught developers alike.

Download Summary of Python Crash Course

Get the Python Crash Course summary as a free PDF or EPUB. Print it or read offline anytime.

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"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
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star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star
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