Books/Magazines

Books at this level are intended for young coders that have enjoyed level 1 books and want to continue their coding adventure at a slightly higher level.

Python Next Steps continues the Python journey. Readers learn more about this fantastic programming language while building several useful, short applications including their own calculator. Several spare buttons will be built so that young coders can attach their own functions making this a truly programmable calculator!

Ch.1 - Data types:
In this Chapter you are going to:

   >>> Learn about data types.
   >>> Learn about tuples, lists and dictionaries.
   >>> Make a version of MyMagic8Ball that is much shorter to code than the one from Python Basics.

PythonNextSteps-Ch1.pdf

Ch.2 - Building GUIs:
In this Chapter you are going to:

   >>> Practise using tuples and dictionaries.
   >>> Review using tkinter and learn about some more widgets.
   >>> Build a GUI.
   >>> Build a glossary application that can easily be customised into a number of other simple cool apps too.

Ch.3 - Designing a Simple Calculator:
In this Chapter you are going to:

   >>> Learn about 'for loops'.
   >>> Use lists and loops to save a lot of repetitive coding.
   >>> Learn more about the tkinter button widget.
   >>> Design your own calculator application called MyCalculator.
   >>> Build a complex GUI easily.

Ch.4 - A Fully Working Calculator:
In this Chapter you are going to:

   >>> Learn how to use default values in functions creatively.
   >>> Learn about debugging.
   >>> Learn about catching and handling errors.
   >>> Delve deeper into binary numbers.
   >>> Produce a fully working calculator.

Ch.5 - Customising the Calculator:
In this Chapter you are going to:

   >>> Layout a customisable calculator.
   >>> Create some fully functioning constant buttons.
   >>> Start a module to hold the functions for our programmable buttons.
   >>> Learn a little more about how to organise code in applications.

Bonus Chapter - Algorithms:
In this Chapter you are going to:



   >>> Add code to the programmable buttons.
   >>> Learn about algorithms.
   >>> Learn about factorials.
   >>> Learn how to convert numbers to roman numerals.
   >>> Make a fully programmable calculator with some unique functions including its own customisable game.

In Marshall Trent’s Reunited Kingdom every citizen of New Edgehill has a neurochip implanted within them that links directly to the Neuralnet.

The Neuralnet sees and records every thought, movement and microscopic detail of every life in New Edgehill. Absolute control!

Cal Jones believes he is no different from everyone else. That is until he saves the life of Sasha and learns that everything that he thought was true is in fact a lie. He discovers an underground group, the Anarchists, living outside of the Neuralnet and harbouring a secret which will change his life forever.

Matt Langley has written a fantastic, imaginative and exciting novel for the Coding Club series. You can even read the first Chapter now: http://codingclub.co.uk/uploaded_pdfs/BlackFlag_sample.pdf

Join Danni as you train as an Anarchist

This is a Coding Club mission. This means that you can get far more involved in this book than any other you have read before – should you wish to. To register for free, all you need to do is enter an activation code and fill in a short form. Unfortunately we cannot just leave activation codes in plain view. You will have to visit the Black Flag website and think like a true hacker – ignore the visuals and dig into the code!

I will guide you throughout your training as an Anarchist agent. You will solve many of the assignments that Cal, Sasha and I face in our struggle. Do not worry if you are still a novice programmer, there is lots of guidance and hints along the way.

All the preparation that is necessary is that you have worked through Coding Club: Python Basics. Alternatively you should be fine if you have learnt a little Python 3 some other way. You simply need to have a grasp of how to write variables and functions, perform simple maths operations and manipulate strings. You should also know how to save and load files in IDLE.

It is not going to be easy, but trying to save the World never is!

This is the Python: Interactive Adventures home page. Answers and full source code are found in the resources page.

Python: Interactive Adventures is the latest book to be added to the series and provides more material at level 2 for programmers at this level. It is written as an alternative and extension to Python: Next Steps. The material introduced at this level is very powerful and enables young programmers to produce a whole variety of exciting Apps but many students will want to consolidate by studying both level 2 books before moving on. While both books introduce tuples, lists and dictionaries Next Steps also delves into building and designing sophisticated GUIs. Interactive Adventures, on the other hand, explores how to go about breaking longer programs into manageable tasks which are easier to approach or share among a group of friends.

In the first part of this book you write a card trick script, create a small e-book reader and an app to help you encrypt and and decode messages. The big project involves building an interactive story based app that you can then customise with your own images, story and puzzles. The bonus app provides a short interactive mystery story, with a heap of special effects you can explore and add to your own apps.

Ch.1 - Data types
In this Chapter you will:

   >>> learn about data types
   >>> learn about tuples, lists and dictionaries
   >>> make a 'magic' card trick app.

PythonInteractiveAdventures-Ch1.pdf

Ch.2 - The Caesar machine
In this Chapter you will learn how to:

   >>> do modulus addition
   >>> manipulate strings
   >>> use for loops
   >>> develop a simple algorithm
   >>> turn an algorithm into Python code.

Ch.3 - A simple ebook reader
In this Chapter you are going to:

   >>> learn more about loops
   >>> learn more about tkinter widgets
   >>> learn how to import text files into your applications
   >>> build a simple GUI to control your ebook reader.

Ch.4 - An old-school adventure
In this Chapter you are going to:

   >>> make your own infinite loop
   >>> learn more about dictionaries, lists and tuples
   >>> create a simple map for an adventure story
   >>> learn how to make a simple text-based menu.

Ch.5 - Writing a story
In this Chapter you are going to:

   >>> learn even more about dictionaries, lists and tuples
   >>> consider how to program an interactive adventure
   >>> add a story to your game
   >>> create a map for an adventure story.

Ch.6 - An adventure game console
In this Chapter you are going to:

   >>> build a GUI for your game
   >>> learn more about arranging tkinter widgets in frames.

Ch 7 - A mysterious mystery
In this Chapter you are going to:

   >>> add the story to the GUI
   >>> think about how to divide up tasks.

The first ever Code Club book is here! With it, you'll learn how to code using Scratch, the block-based programming language. In each chapter you’ll find instructions to build cool games, animations, and interactive stories. Your friendly robot guide will aid you step-by-step through each project and give you handy tips along the way.

• Learn to code using Scratch, the block-based language
• Follow step-by-step guides to create games and animations
• Use the magic glasses to reveal secret hints
• The spiral binding allows the book to lay flat 
• Includes 24 exclusive Code Club stickers!

In the first of two volumes, we remake five classic video games – ranging from Pong to Sensible Soccer, each represents a different genre. We interview the games’ original creators and learn from their example, as well as utilise the art and audio engineering skills of two of the 1980s’ most prolific games developers for our recreated versions of the games.

• Get game design tips and tricks from the masters
• Explore the code listings and find out how they work
• Download and play game examples by Eben Upton
• Learn how to code your own games with Pygame Zero
• Read interviews with expert graphics and audio creators 

Making a fast-paced 3D action game needn’t be as daunting as it sounds. Build Your Own First-Person Shooter in Unity will take you step-by-step through the process of making Zombie Panic: a frenetic battle for survival inside a castle heaving with the undead.

Specifications:

• Set up and use the free software you’ll need
• Make enemies that follow and attack the player
• Create and texture 3D character models
• Extend your game further, with tips from experts
• Design a level with locked doors and keys

• Build a four-legged walking robot
• Create a Tetris-inspired clock
• Grow your own veg with hydroponics
• Make music with a DIY synthesizer
• And much more!

Fully updated for 2019 and featuring four extra chapters, Conquer The Command Line will help you learn to love the command line on the Raspberry Pi and other Linux computers…

For getting instructions from user to computer – in a clear, quick and unambiguous form – the command line is often the best way. Now – thanks to Raspbian on the Raspberry Pi – a new generation are discovering the power of the command line to simplify complex tasks, or instantly carry out simple ones.

Master essential skills across 14 chapters:

• Find & install software
• Manage removable storage
• Use Secure Shell for remote access
• Customise the command line
• Protect your data with backups
• Build software from source code
• and much, much more.

MicroPython is a full implementation of the Python 3 programming language that runs directly on embedded hardware like Raspberry Pi Pico. You get an interactive prompt (the REPL) to execute commands immediately via USB Serial, and a built-in filesystem. The Pico port of MicroPython includes modules for accessing low-level chip-specific hardware.

What is Raspberry Pi Pico?

Raspberry Pi Pico, a microcontroller board built on silicon designed here at Raspberry Pi.




Your official guide

 What's in the box?

1 x Pico MicroPython book

•     Set up Raspberry Pi for retro gaming
•     Emulate classic computers and consoles
•     Learn to program retro-style games
•     Build a portable console, arcade cabinet, and pinball machine
•     And much, much more!

• Create games and fun Python programs
• Learn how to create your own graphical user interfaces
• Use windows, text boxes, buttons, images, and more
• Learn about event-based programming
• Explore good (and bad) user interface design

Discover the true potential of Raspberry Pi with the new, official Handbook 2023. With over 200 pages of amazing projects, fun tutorials, practical guides, and clear reviews, it has everything you need to master Raspberry Pi!

Inside The Official Raspberry Pi Handbook 2023

• QuickStart guide to setting up your Raspberry Pi computer
• Make stuff with Raspberry Pi Pico W
• Incredible projects built by the global Raspberry Pi community
• Find the right kit and products for your dream builds
• Get creating with our comprehensive tutorials and guides
• Over 200 pages of essential advice!

What's in the box?

1 x RPi 2023 Handbook

Description:

The new book by Simon Monk out in the microcontroller world: Programming the Pico: Learn Coding and Electronics with the Raspberry Pi Pico. The book is all about programming the Raspberry Pi Pico with MicroPython (although it is referred to as Python).

This book will teach you Python programming and some basic electronics without assuming any prior knowledge of either subject. The book initially focusses on Python programming, building up a Morse Code example using the Raspberry Pi Pico's built-in LED. Once you have mastered the basics of coding the Pico, the book will introduce electronics, showing you how to use sensors, switches, LEDs, servomotors and displays attached to your Pico.
All the parts used in the book are available in a companion kit by MonkMakes Ltd. available from suppliers world-wide.
Discover how to:

• install and use the Thonny Python editor and upload programs to your Pico
• write simple programs to control the Raspberry Pi Pico
• structure your programs with functions and modules
• make effective use of Python Lists and Dictionaries
• attach sensors, LEDs, servomotors and displays to your Pico and, to program them.
• make use of the Pico's advanced input/output capabilities

A4 (210 x 297mm) squared-grid spiral-bound notebook with watermark breadboards. 158 pages, card covers.

The book also includes

• Microcontroller programming cheat sheet
• Common circuits and calculations
• Pinouts
• Resistor color codes
• ASCII table