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How to Think about Algorithms
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How to Think about Algorithms Hardcover - 2008 - 1st Edition

by Jeff Edmonds


Summary

This textbook, for second- or third-year students of computer science, presents insights, notations, and analogies to help them describe and think about algorithms like an expert, without grinding through lots of formal proof. Solutions to many problems are provided to let students check their progress, while class-tested PowerPoint slides are on the web for anyone running the course. By looking at both the big picture and easy step-by-step methods for developing algorithms, the author guides students around the common pitfalls. He stresses paradigms such as loop invariants and recursion to unify a huge range of algorithms into a few meta-algorithms. The book fosters a deeper understanding of how and why each algorithm works. These insights are presented in a careful and clear way, helping students to think abstractly and preparing them for creating their own innovative ways to solve problems.

From the publisher

There are many algorithm texts that provide lots of well-polished code and proofs of correctness. This book is not one of them. Instead, this book presents insights, notations, and analogies to help the novice describe and think about algorithms like an expert. By looking at both the big picture and easy step-by-step methods for developing algorithms, the author helps students avoid the common pitfalls. He stresses paradigms such as loop invariants and recursion to unify a huge range of algorithms into a few meta-algorithms. Part of the goal is to teach the students to think abstractly. Without getting bogged with formal proofs, the book fosters a deeper understanding of how and why each algorithm works. These insights are presented in a slow and clear manner accessible to second- or third-year students of computer science, preparing them to find their own innovative ways to solve problems.

Details

  • Title How to Think about Algorithms
  • Author Jeff Edmonds
  • Binding Hardcover
  • Edition number 1st
  • Edition 1
  • Pages 472
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Cambridge University Press
  • Date July 2008
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9780521849319 / 0521849314
  • Weight 1.96 lbs (0.89 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.45 x 7.17 x 1.02 in (24.00 x 18.21 x 2.59 cm)
  • Library of Congress subjects Algorithms - Study and teaching, Loops (Group theory) - Study and teaching
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 2008001238
  • Dewey Decimal Code 518.1