Problem Solving with Python: Using Computational Thinking in Everyday Life
Jan 2026 · MIT Press
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About this ebook
An innovative new way to teach computational thinking and problem solving that makes programming accessible to anyone.
Problem solving with computation has become a basic literacy required of modern life, but the traditional way we teach students to code doesn’t work for everyone. This innovative textbook provides a highly engaging alternative approach. Problem Solving with Python is a hands-on introduction to computational thinking, useful computer science concepts, and the art of computer programming, where skills and ideas are introduced in service of solving an interesting problem.
Each chapter begins with an ambiguous problem description drawn from everyday life that resolves with a piece of working code. Gradually progressing in difficulty, the book’s three-act structure charts a clear developmental path from novice to skilled programmer. Michael Smith first presents the basics of programming through repeated application of a worklist algorithm, allowing the reader to become comfortable in problem decomposition and fundamentals before attempting more complicated algorithms and approaches. He then shows how to solve real-world problems using the power of abstraction, algorithms, and the right data structures. Finally, the exercises in the book’s last act fully transition the reader from programmer to problem solver. Based on the author's popular class at Harvard, this accessible textbook builds conceptual understanding through practical skills development to enable anyone to master the what and how of computational thinking.
Problem solving with computation has become a basic literacy required of modern life, but the traditional way we teach students to code doesn’t work for everyone. This innovative textbook provides a highly engaging alternative approach. Problem Solving with Python is a hands-on introduction to computational thinking, useful computer science concepts, and the art of computer programming, where skills and ideas are introduced in service of solving an interesting problem.
Each chapter begins with an ambiguous problem description drawn from everyday life that resolves with a piece of working code. Gradually progressing in difficulty, the book’s three-act structure charts a clear developmental path from novice to skilled programmer. Michael Smith first presents the basics of programming through repeated application of a worklist algorithm, allowing the reader to become comfortable in problem decomposition and fundamentals before attempting more complicated algorithms and approaches. He then shows how to solve real-world problems using the power of abstraction, algorithms, and the right data structures. Finally, the exercises in the book’s last act fully transition the reader from programmer to problem solver. Based on the author's popular class at Harvard, this accessible textbook builds conceptual understanding through practical skills development to enable anyone to master the what and how of computational thinking.
- Prioritizes the development of computational thinking
- Does not assume students are intrinsically motivated to learn programming
- Emphasizes active learning through real-world problems and case studies
- Is suitable for students and self-learners from all backgrounds
- Includes coverage of data representation, arithmetic and logical operations, algorithms, networks, computability, operating systems and compilers, memory systems, and security
- Offers extensive ancillary resources
An innovative new way to teach computational thinking and problem solving that makes programming accessible to anyone.
Problem solving with computation has become a basic literacy required of modern life, but the traditional way we teach students to code doesn’t work for everyone. This innovativ...
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About the author
Michael D. Smith is the John H. Finley, Jr. Professor of Engineering and Applied Sciences and a Distinguished Service Professor at Harvard University. A devoted undergraduate educator, he helped launch Harvard and MIT’s edX and is a recipient of the Alpha Iota Prize for Excellence in Teaching, the National Science Foundation Young Investigator Award, and the W. E. B. Du Bois Medal.
Michael D. Smith is the John H. Finley, Jr. Professor of Engineering and Applied Sciences and a Distinguished Service Professor at Harvard University. A devoted undergraduate educator, he helped launch Harvard and MIT’s edX and is a recipient of the Alpha Iota Prize for Excellence in Teaching, th...
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