Programming for Computations: Python – A Gentle Introduction to Numerical Simulations with Python

About the Book

Programming for Computations: Python – A Gentle Introduction to Numerical Simulations with Python by Svein Linge and Hans Petter Langtangen is an educational textbook that introduces readers to the fundamentals of computer programming through practical mathematical and scientific applications. The book demonstrates how Python can be used as a powerful tool for solving mathematical problems, developing numerical algorithms, and performing computational simulations.

Designed especially for beginners, the book takes a gradual and practical approach to programming. It begins with basic concepts such as variables, expressions, data types, functions, and program structure before progressing to more advanced topics, including loops, conditional statements, numerical calculations, and problem-solving techniques. Each concept is connected to mathematical examples, helping readers understand not only how to write programs but also why particular computational methods work.

A central theme of the book is the use of programming to explore mathematical models and real-world scientific problems. Readers learn how to translate mathematical formulas into computer code, develop reusable functions, implement numerical methods, and verify the accuracy of their programs. The book also emphasizes structured programming, algorithm development, and testing to encourage reliable and efficient computational practices.

Through clear explanations, practical examples, exercises, and hands-on programming activities, the authors make scientific computing more approachable for students without extensive programming experience.

Ideal for students of engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, and other scientific disciplines, this textbook provides a strong foundation in Python programming and numerical problem-solving.

Programming for Computations: Python is a valuable learning resource for anyone interested in combining programming, mathematics, and computational techniques to understand and solve practical scientific and engineering challenges.

About the Authors

Svein Linge is a Norwegian professor, researcher, and academic specializing in modelling, simulation, and computational science. He holds a Doctor Scientiarum degree in biomechanics from the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences and has served as a professor of modelling and simulation at the University College of Southeast Norway. He has also been associated with the Centre for Biomedical Computing at Simula Research Laboratory in Norway.

His research interests include cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, cardiac electromechanics, and sports biomechanics. Linge is particularly interested in integrating computer programming and numerical simulations into engineering education, helping students use computational tools to understand and solve mathematical and scientific problems.

Hans Petter Langtangen (1962–2016) was a distinguished Norwegian computer scientist, professor, researcher, and author. He served as a professor of computer science at the University of Oslo and was the director of the Centre for Biomedical Computing at Simula Research Laboratory. His academic work focused on scientific computing, numerical methods, mathematical modelling, and computational science.

Langtangen published more than 100 scientific works and authored several influential books, including A Primer on Scientific Programming with Python, a widely recognized textbook in computational science. He also contributed to the development of open-source and commercial software systems for scientific computing.

Together, Svein Linge and Hans Petter Langtangen combined their expertise in modelling, simulation, mathematics, and computer science to create accessible educational resources that help students and professionals understand the practical applications of programming in engineering and scientific research.