A Balanced Introduction to Computer Science - Softcover

Reed, David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0136017223 ISBN 13: 9780136017226

Publisher: Pearson, 2007

Synopsis

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Review:

“The textbook [Reed] explains a concept, shows the code, then give a pictorial example to reinforce that point. An excellent example is in chapter four when talking about ONMOUSEOVER and ONMOUSEOUT.” ― Dr. Jenna Miley, Bainbridge College

“The thing that struck me [about Reed] was how the examples are presented followed by adding functionality, basically anticipating questions that a reader would have after doing the examples.” ― Lionel Craddock, Bluefield State College

“The examples are illuminating and effective.” ― Lionel Craddock, Bluefield State College

“This text [Reed] offers very clear explanations of difficult topics.” ― Ralph Hooper, University of Alabama

“Reed’s examples are relevant and fun; his language is clear and concise, and his use of the language is accessible to non-majors.” ― Arnold D. Miles, Georgetown University

“The programming is presented in a well-organized manner; it builds smoothly.” ― Arnold D. Miles, Georgetown University

From the Back Cover:

A BALANCED INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE

SECOND EDITION

DAVID REED

 

This new edition of A Balanced Introduction to Computer Science represents a unique and proven approach to introductory computer science courses. In contrast with traditional texts that focus almost exclusively on either breadth (a survey of computing concepts) or depth (programming and problem-solving), this text provides a balanced view of computing. Breadth chapters cover concepts and issues in computing that are most relevant to the beginning student, including computer terminology, the Internet and Web, algorithms and software, and technology's impact on society. Mixed among these topics are depth chapters that introduce fundamental programming concepts and skills with hands-on tutorials. Using HTML and the programming language JavaScript, students develop problem-solving skills as they design and implement interactive Web pages.

 

Breadth Chapters

• Breadth-based chapters focus on topics that are most relevant to a beginning student and are written in an engaging, easy-to-read style.
• Illustrations, photographs, and Web-based visualization tools are used extensively to illuminate key points.
• Each chapter ends with a Chapter Summary, which identifies key concepts, and Review Questions that encourage reflection and the integration of content from that chapter.
• For the second edition, new material has been added on recent developments and new technologies, including flash memory, cascading style sheets, Web accessibility standards, dual-core processors, online music formats, and bioinformatics

Depth Chapters

• Depth-based chapters are presented as hands-on tutorials, recognizing that the only way to learn programming and problem solving is to actually do it.
• Tutorial exercises follow an incremental approach, allowing students to master programming concepts by first studying and modifying existing programs before designing and implementing new programs that solve interesting problems.
• Program design and debugging advice is provided in special sections called "Designer secrets..." and "Common errors to avoid..."
• Each chapter includes a Chapter Summary that identifies key concepts, and Supplemental material and Exercises to facilitate further study.
• For the second edition, all code has been updated to meet current XHTML and ECMA standards, and Chapters 7 and 9 have been reorganized to emphasize event-driven programming and user interaction.

About the Author

 

David Reed is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Computer Science at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. He received his M.S. and Ph.D. in computer science from Duke University in 1992, and subsequently taught and conducted research at Duke University and Dickingon College before joining the faculty at Creighton in 2000. His primary interests are in artificial intelligence, programming languages, and computer science education, where he has published extensively on topics such as apprentice-based learning, Web-based programming, and innovative instructional methods in introductory computer science. He is a member of the Liberal Arts Computer Science Consortium and the Chief Reader for the Advanced Placement® Computer Science Exam since 2004.

 

 

 

About this edition

• Publisher: Pearson
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0136017223
• ISBN 13: 9780136017226
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 408