An Invitation to Computer Science, 2nd Edition

Now updated to include the most recent developments in Web and network technology, this best-selling introduction to computer science provides a breadth-first overview of the full range of topics in this dynamic discipline: algorithms, hardware design, computer organization, system software, language models, programming, compilation, theory of computation, applications, networks, artificial intelligence, and the impact of computers on society. The authors present these topics in the context of a big picture, - six-layer hierarchy of abstractions - starting with the algorithmic foundations of computer science, and working upward from low-level hardware concepts through virtual machine environments, languages, software, and applications programs to the social issues raised by computer technology. Each layer in the hierarchy builds on ideas and concepts presented earlier. An accompanying lab manual provides exploratory lab experiences tied to the text material. The Second Edition features the use of C++ for teaching the basics of programming, with a C++ compiler provided with the accompanying lab manual. This compiler includes a graphics library that students use to create shapes and images as part of a new section in Chapter 7 on "Graphical Programming."

G. Michael Schneider is Professor of Computer Science at Macalester College. He is also the Chair of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department at Macalester. His research interests lie in the areas of parallel processing and computer networks. He has written textbooks on software development, data structures, computer organization, and a breadth-first overview of computer science. Mike's recreational interests include running, cooking, and, most of all, traveling. He has taught computer science in England, Israel, Kenya, Australia, Japan, Zimbabwe, and Malaysia.