OpenStax Releases Free, Interactive Computer Science Textbook

OpenStax, the Rice University-based provider of free, peer-reviewed, openly licensed course materials, has expanded its content library with a new computer science textbook: Introduction to Python Programming.

Now available from OpenStax, the world's leading provider of free, peer-reviewed, openly licensed content based at Rice University, is "Introduction to Python Programming."

Designed for "anyone interested in learning, upskilling, reskilling or honing their existing programming skills," the book covers foundational Python programming concepts suitable for learners "pursuing computer science, business, science, social science, statistics, data science and related areas of study and employment," OpenStax said in a news announcement. Content includes embedded tutorial videos, interactive programming activities, and a "code runner" that allows students to apply and reinforce what they've learned in real time. " Each section of content within the textbook is designed to foster active learning and student engagement," the organization said.

"With built-in animated videos illustrating a step-by-step approach to Python code and an interactive code runner for practice, we were able to condense the amount of written material in the book to what is most meaningful," said Udayan Das, professor at St. Mary's College of California and contributing author of the textbook, in a statement. "Other Python programming textbooks available in the market are quite dense, but this book is not only free, it actually shows students how fundamental programming concepts are created, used, assigned, executed and applied."

Introduction to Python Programming is openly available on the OpenStax site.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • AI microchip, a cybersecurity shield with a lock, a dollar coin, and a laptop with financial graphs connected by dotted lines

    Survey: Generative AI Surpasses Cybersecurity in 2025 Tech Budgets

    Global IT leaders are placing bigger bets on generative artificial intelligence than cybersecurity in 2025, according to new research by Amazon Web Services (AWS).

  • illustration of a human head with a glowing neural network in the brain, connected to tech icons on a cool blue-gray background

    Meta Launches Stand-Alone AI App

    Meta Platforms has introduced a stand-alone artificial intelligence app built on its proprietary Llama 4 model, intensifying the competitive race in generative AI alongside OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and xAI.

  • laptop displaying a red padlock icon sits on a wooden desk with a digital network interface background

    Reports Highlight Domain Controllers as Prime Ransomware Targets

    A recent report from Microsoft reinforces warnings about the critical role Active Directory (AD) domain controllers play in large-scale ransomware attacks, aligning with U.S. government advisories on the persistent threat of AD compromise.

  • stylized illustration of a desktop, laptop, tablet, and smartphone all displaying an orange AI icon

    Report: AI Shifting from Cloud to PCs

    AI is shifting from the cloud to PCs, offering enhanced productivity, security, and ROI. Key players like Intel, Microsoft (Copilot+ PCs), and Google (Gemini Nano) are driving this on-device AI trend, shaping a crucial hybrid future for IT.