Computation is a process of calculation involving arithmetic and logical steps, following a given set of rules (an algorithm).

This uniquely accessible textbook introduces students to computation using a very distinctive approach, quite rapidly leading them into essential topics with sufficient depth, yet in a highly intuitive manner. The work is anchored in coverage of functional programming (in Haskell), symbolic logic, and finite automata-- each a critical component of the foundations of Informatics, and together offering students a clear glimpse into an intellectual journey beyond mere mastery of technical skills. From core elements like types, Venn diagrams and logic, to patterns of reasoning, sequent calculus, recursion and algebraic data types, the book spans the breadth of key concepts and methods that will enable students to readily progress with their studies in Computer Science.

Topics and features:

• Spans the key concepts and methods that underpin computation
• Develops symbolic logic, with a view toward honing clarity of thought; and automata, as a foundation for future study of both their applications and related theoretical topics
• Introduces powerful functional programming ideas that will be useful regardless which programming languages are used later
• Provides numerous exercises to support a clear and open, accessible approach
• Offers a dedicated website with resources for instructors and students, including code and links to online information
• Includes a wide array of marginal notes, empowering readers to "go beyond" the content presented
• Approaches logic and automata through Haskell code, to bring key concepts alive and foster understanding through experimentation Assuming no formal background in programming, this highly practical and accessible textbook provides the grounding fundamentals of computation for undergraduate students. Its flexible, yet clearexpository style also makes the book eminently suitable as a self-study instructional guide for professionals or nonspecialists interested in these topics.

Prof. Donald Sannella, Prof. Michael Fourman, and Prof. Philip Wadler are each at the University of Edinburgh's School of Informatics, Edinburgh, UK. Mr. Haoran Peng will soon pursue research interests in machine learning and machine intelligence at Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK.

Autorentext

Prof. Donald Sannella, Prof. Michael Fourman, and Prof. Philip Wadler are each at the University of Edinburgh's School of Informatics, Edinburgh, UK. Mr. Haoran Peng is also at the same university department.

Klappentext

Computation, itself a form of calculation, incorporates steps that include arithmetical and non-arithmetical (logical) steps following a specific set of rules (an algorithm). This uniquely accessible textbook introduces students using a very distinctive approach, quite rapidly leading them into essential topics with sufficient depth, yet in a highly intuitive manner. From core elements like sets, types, Venn diagrams and logic, to patterns of reasoning, calculus, recursion and expression trees, the book spans the breadth of key concepts and methods that will enable students to readily progress with their studies in Computer Science.

Inhalt

1 Sets 132 Types 193 Simple Computations 274 Venn Diagrams and Logical Connectives 355 Lists and Comprehensions 456 Features and Predicates 557 Testing Your Programs 638 Patterns of Reasoning 739 More Patterns of Reasoning 8110 Lists and Recursion 9111 More Fun with Recursion 10112 Higher-Order Functions 11113 Higher and Higher 12314 Sequent Calculus 13115 Algebraic Data Types 14316 Expression Trees 15717 Karnaugh Maps 17518 Relations and Quantifiers 18319 Checking Satisfiability 19120 Data Representation 20321 Data Abstraction 22122 Efficient CNF Conversion 23723 Counting Satisfying Valuations 24924 Type Classes 26325 Search in Trees 27526 Combinatorial Algorithms 28527 Finite Automata 29928 Deterministic Finite Automata 31129 Non-Deterministic Finite Automata 32130 Input/Output and Monads 34131 Regular Expressions 35932 Non-Regular Languages 369Index 377