Message from Dean - May 8th 2007
I am currently testing out a new version of the APF Bridge Component - If you notice any errors within this demo store please drop me a line.
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Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 005.1
EAN: 9780201314519
ISBN: 0201314517
Label: Addison Wesley
Manufacturer: Addison Wesley
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 399
Publication Date: October 26, 1997
Publisher: Addison Wesley
Studio: Addison Wesley
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Editorial Review:
Product Description:
Introduction to Computing and Algorithms prepares students for the world of computing by giving them a solid foundation in the study of computer science--algorithms. By taking an algorithm-based approach to the subject, this new introductory text helps students grasp overall concepts, rather than getting them bogged down with specific syntax details of a programming language that can become obsolete. Students work with algorithms from the start and apply these ideas to real problems that computers can help solve. The benefit of this approach is that students will understand the power of computers as problem-solving tools, learn to think like programmers and gain an appreication of the computer science discipline. Features Introduces basic computing ideas, including essential algorithm constructs, software engineering, and certain foundational aspects of theory, tailored to students at a beginning level. Using a "Java-like" pseudo-code, this text prepares students for learning how to program with an object-oriented language. Provides a comprehensive lab manaual that introduces students to various software applications that they will use throughout their careers. Reinforces key concepts with pedagogical features like "Food for Thought" sections and boxed definitions.
Average Rating: 
Rating:  -
The product was exactly what I needed for my class and at a cheaper price. Not much more could have been better.
Rating:  -
As a former student of Dr. Shackelford when I was an undergrad at Tech, I have first hand knowledge of trying to learn programming with psudeo code as my basis. While proponents of psuedo code claim that it allows learning the basics without getting bogged down in the mechanics of programming, there isn't a whole lot you can actually do with the knowledge gained from this book. You may understand programming better after learning this material, however you will never be able to program an actual computer to do anything. As an engineer who leans towards the hardware side but would like to have more practical programming skills, I would have appreciated learning more of the practical implementation with the material in this book. Personally the formula that has worked for me is to learn the theory, then implement that knowledge by creating something in the real world with real tools. While this book may help you with the theory, the practical implementation side must be found elsewhere. ... Read More
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I've been a professional computer programmer for the last seven years, with no formal training. I bought this book to begin improving my grasp of computer theory as well as practice. I've found this book to be eminantly readable, an actual page turner. Parts of it are quite elementary, but it's very good at explaining "why" as well as "what".
I consider the pseudo-code an advantage, since it forces me to look at unfamiliar terms and structures and equate them with the equivalent items in my "real" language. It teaches *theory*, which I can apply to any language, not implementation in a single language that will be obsolete in a year or two.
Rating: -
If the title of this book was "Introduction to Programming", then I would wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Black below. Indeed, Dr. Shackelford does not teach programming in his book. Rather, he presents algorithms in a general sense, and algorithmic thought over programming practice is presented to the novice.
An adequate programming foundation begins with the trials and errors of learning one's first programming knowledge. Dr. Shackelford's book better preparesone for their first programming language experience, but is by no means a substitute for a programming language course if one's goal is to learn to program.
There are many that wish to gain a better knowledge of computing from a higher-level, theoretical standpoint. Also as an upper-level computer science theory TA at Georgia Tech, I realize the importance of being introduced to a concept in its high-level foundations, rather than in its gory details.
The CS curriculum at Tech is moving to Scheme as ... Read More
Rating: -
With "Introduction to Computing and Algorithms", thousands of students have, at Georgia Tech and elsewhere, been tricked into believing that they can program. The ability to think algorithmically, Dr. Shackleford would have one believe, is an adequate programming foundation. Theoretically, perhaps. In truth, however, the book's clear disregard for efficiency, as well as a refusal to get into the "nuts and bolts" of programming, leaves one feeling like a confident programmer -- but it is a feeling which is all-too-often deceitful.
As an upper-level teaching assistant at Georgia Tech, where the book is used for the Introduction to Computing class, I have seen many students learn from the book, only to see their "skills" fail to pass on to real languages. Programming can only be learned via experience, and Dr. Shackleford's use of an uncompilable psuedocode is perhaps the most damning aspect of the book. I give it an additional star due to its possible use in a classroom ... Read More
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