A Dictionary of Computer Science

Previously named A Dictionary of Computing, this bestselling dictionary has been renamed A Dictionary of Computer Science, and fully revised by a team of computer specialists, making it the most up-to-date and authoritative guide to computing available. Containing over 6,500 entries and with expanded coverage of multimedia, computer applications, networking, and personal computer science, it is a comprehensive reference work encompassing all aspects of the subject and is as valuable for home and office users as it is indispensable for students of computer science.

Terms are defined in a jargon-free and concise manner with helpful examples where relevant. The dictionary contains approximately 150 new entries including cloud computing, cross-site scripting, iPad, semantic attack, smartphone, and virtual learning environment. Recommended web links for many entries, accessible via the Dictionary of Computer Science companion website, provide valuable further information and the appendices include useful resources such as generic domain names, file extensions, and the Greek alphabet.

This dictionary is suitable for anyone who uses computers, and is ideal for students of computer science and the related fields of IT, maths, physics, media communications, electronic engineering, and natural sciences.

Andrew Butterfield holds an honours degree in Engineering and a PhD in Computer Science and is currently Head of the Foundation and Methods Group at Trinity College Dublin, as well as Director of Undergraduate Teaching and Learning in the School of Computer Science and Statistics. His research interests include the formal aspects of computing and pure lazy functional programming languages, and he has published in various specialist journals (Formal Aspects of Computing, Science of Programming), has edited a number of conference proceedings (Implementing Functional Languages, Unifying Theories of Programming) and has been guest editor for an issue of Formal Methods in System Design.


Gerard Ekembe Ngondi holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Telecommunications obtained at the National Advanced School of Post and Telecommunications (Yaounde, Cameroon) and an MSc in Computing obtained at the University of York (UK). He is currently doing a PhD in Computer Science at the University of York. His research work is on formal reasoning about the concept of 'mobility' in the UTP (Unifying Theories of Programming) framework.