Computation Engineering: Applied Automata Theory and Logic - Hardcover

Gopalakrishnan, Ganesh

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0387244182 ISBN 13: 9780387244181

Publisher: Springer, 2006

Synopsis

Although it is critical in today's world that students who take automata theory and logic courses retain what they have learned and understand how to use their knowledge, many textbooks typically emphasize automata theory only, not logic, thus losing a valuable opportunity to tie these subjects together and reinforce learning. This textbook uses interactive tools throughout, such as simple BDD and SAT tools. By providing a blend of theory and practical applications the material is presented as both inviting and current. Key concepts are illustrated in multiple domains so that information is reinforced and students can begin to tie theory and logic together.

About this title

Review

From the reviews:

"One of the constant challenges faced by computer science faculty is how to tie in the theory of computing with applications. This text attempts to do just that ... . Overall, this book is a good undergraduate theory text. ... It includes exercises, with software tools to aid in visualization of key ideas. ... The exercises are appropriate for an undergraduate-level class. ... It is a good text ... ." (M. D. Derk, Computing Reviews, December, 2006)

"The book under review shows, logic and automata theory can be combined to provide powerful tools for checking computer code ... . There is no doubt that the book was written with great care and that it caters for a real need. ... the book is written in a very lively style, which makes reading it quite pleasurable. ... many nice applications of automata that are peppered throughout the book." (S. C. Coutinho, SIGACT News, Vol. 39 (3), 2008)

Synopsis

The computer hardware and software industry is committed to using formal methods. As a result, it is crucial that students who take automata theory and logic courses retain what they have learned and understand how to use their knowledge. Yet many textbooks typically emphasize automata theory only, not logic, thus losing a valuable opportunity to tie these subjects together and reinforce learning. In fact, automata theory and logic evolved hand-in-hand, yet this connection was severed in the '70s as separate automata-theory and logic courses became possible. Now, with computer science departments suffering from overcrowded syllabi, it is often possible for undergraduates to get a BS without having had to take a course in mathematical logic! Today's students want to know how knowledge can work for them - learning theory as a tool is preferable to learning theory for theory's sake. To prove that theoretical tenents are not only applicable, but also necessary and relevant, useful examples must be presented. This textbook uses interactive tools throughout, such as simple BDD and SAT tools.

By providing a blend of theory and practical applications, the material is shown to be both inviting and current. Topics are also illustrated in multiple domains so that information is reinforced and students can begin to tie automata theory and logic together. They will also learn multiple uses of fixed-points, including BDD based model checking and understanding context-free productions. Having used this book, students will not only know and understand automata theory, but also be able to apply their knowledge in real practice.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0387244182
• ISBN 13: 9780387244181
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 508