Understanding Computation-轻识

Finally, you can learn computation theory and programming language design in an engaging, practical way. Understanding Computation explains theoretical computer science in a context you'll recognize, helping you appreciate why these ideas matter and how they can inform your day-to-day programming. Rather than use mathematical notation or an unfamiliar academic programming language like Haskell or Lisp, this book uses Ruby in a reductionist manner to present formal semantics, automata theory, and functional programming with the lambda calculus. It's ideal for programmers versed in modern languages, with little or no formal training in computer science. Understand fundamental computing concepts, such as Turing completeness in languages Discover how programs use dynamic semantics to communicate ideas to machines Explore what a computer can do when reduced to its bare essentials Learn how universal Turing machines led to today's general-purpose computers Perform complex calculations, using simple languages and cellular automata Determine which programming language features are essential for computation Examine how halting and self-referencing make some computing problems unsolvable Analyze programs by using abstract interpretation and type systems

Tom Stuart

Tom Stuart 伦敦数字产品咨询公司Codon的创始人、计算机科学家、程序员，擅长Ruby、Rails、Web应用、用户体验、面向对象设计和行为驱动开发。另外，作为顾问、导师和培训师，他经常通过网络帮助各家公司高质高效地创建软件产品。他还曾在剑桥大学做编译器优化方面的演讲，与人联合组织过Ruby大会（Ruby Manor），而且是伦敦Ruby用户组的成员。