Introduction To Languages and The Theory of Computation

By John C. Martin

Book Overview

Introduction to Languages and the Theory of Computation helps students make the connection between the practice of computing and an understanding of the profound ideas that defines it. The book's organization and the author's ability to explain complex topics clearly make this introduction to the theory of computation an excellent resource for a broad range of upper level students. The author has learned through many years of teaching that the best way to present theoretical concepts is to take advantage of the precision and clarity of mathematical language. In a way that is accessible to students still learning this language, he presents the necessary mathematical tools gently and gradually which provides discussion and examples that make the language intelligible. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0070406596
• ISBN13: 9780070406599
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies
• Length: 464 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.6" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Good textbook for computation theory starter

I read this book during my preparation for a comprehensive exam, which includes materials about theory of computation. I was bad at theory all the time, but reading this book removes all my confusions. It looks like lots of math at first glance, but all the theorems explained clearly after the declarations. This book is also very helpful to understand the fundamental theory for programming languages. I recommend this book...

A Rigorous Introduction

I've had the privilege of taking Prof. Martin's two-semester course from this text here at NDSU, and it has been quite enjoyable. The text provides a solid description and set of proofs for the more mathematically-minded students (such as myself). I think that the problem that many other reviewers seem to have faced is that their instructors fall short in their ability to teach this subject. Coupled with a good instructor...

Math lover's choice

Comments on a Mathematic book can be very divergent. This book is a good example, some people rate it 5 stars and other rated 1 star. (My humble opinions is that this is normally a sign that this is a good Math book).The book is very Mathematically rigorous, growing up the big tree step by step. It has no "friendly approaches" in its explaination but clean and dry proofs. I think this is what Mathematics book supposed to be.If...

Amazingly clear writing style - easy to read

This is actually my favourite book in computer science. John C. Martin has a true gift for writing. The book is a good introduction to the subject for an intelligent but an unexperienced reader. The reason why I like this book is because it is very motivating - the author manages to demonstrate the beauty and elegance of the subject. The only weakness of the book I can think of is that it gives overly detailed explanations...

Rigorous and cumulative approach to computation

Logic and linguistics interweave and become virtually indistinguishable through the unifying topic of computability. Any serious seeker of knowledge must be familiar with the underlying concepts of computation. Psychology, philosophy, computer science, the physical and metaphysical are all touched upon by this one subject.The approach of this work is fairly standard. It begins with machines generating or recognizing languages...