Books

I've written several books on computer programming and games. For support on any of them, contact me.

Guide to Programming with Python
By Michael Dawson
Learn more about this book at Amazon.com.

This textbook explains the fundamentals of programming using Python in an engaging way: through game programming. In fact, readers are never once forced to write code that converts Fahrenheit to Celsius. Instead, they tackle topics like variables, loops, data structures, functions, file handling, exceptions, and object-oriented programming by writing games such as Hangman, Tic-Tac-Toe (with evil Artificial Intelligence), Blackjack, and Astrocrash. The book focuses on text-based games, but ends with chapters on writing 2D games with graphics, sound, and music. A full set of instructor resources are available from the publisher.

Beginning C++ Through Game Programming, Second Edition

By Michael Dawson

Learn more about this book at Amazon.com.

The book has everything you need in order to learn the fundamentals of C++ and text-based game programming basics. No previous programming experience is necessary as the book starts you off right at the beginning. You’ll first tackle foundational topics like variables and loops; You'll move on to writing functions and using the STL; and you'll wrap things up with some object-oriented programming. You'll glide through small but complete game-related programs for each new concept, and explore a full game program at the end of each chapter. Finally, you'll be presented with a major game project at the end of the book that brings together all of the key topics.

Python Programming for the Absolute Beginner, Second Edition

By Michael Dawson

Learn more about this book at Amazon.com.

The book is aimed at teaching, well, absolute beginners how to program in Python. However, it takes the unique approach of showing the reader programming concepts through creating simple games. In fact, a full game program is presented at the end of each chapter while a major game project is tackled in the final chapter. By the end of the book, a total programming newbie will be able to write games with graphics, sound, and animation. And while the examples are fun, the book still presents essential concepts like using variables, writing functions, and creating object-oriented programs.