drawings by Duane Bibbyforeword by Gerald J. SussmanThe notion that"thinking about computing is one of the most exciting things the human mind c... read full description
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Dec 29, 2008
Matt
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The Little Schemer is geared toward luring you into first the syntax, then the concepts behind Scheme, recursion, and functional programming. While probably of most interest to programmers or the mathematically inclined, the book claims to have been based off lecture notes for liberal arts students.
The book has a very interesting dialog mechanism for teaching. After the introduction, there is little to nothing in the way of paragraphs of information. Instead, it is more of a light More...
The book has a very interesting dialog mechanism for teaching. After the introduction, there is little to nothing in the way of paragraphs of information. Instead, it is more of a light More...
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Nov 01, 2010
Christian
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Just finished the book, good read, unusual book. The leading topic is Recursion. The book is written in a question-answer style that needs getting used to but is well designed an kept me interested. I found the style a bit tiresome at the beginning, because the matter starts off quite easy and the presentation does not really allow you to skip lots of stuff completely, as you will never know what you have missed. Its really designed to be read cover to cover.
I think the book changes More...
I think the book changes More...
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Jan 07, 2012
Tim
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I loved this book. It focuses on code and what the code means using short question answer snippets. It reads like a review book for medical school boards--but for code. It is a fast and efficient style for the topic. Scheme is a functional language and coming from ruby it was a bit of a mind melt. I had to reread the book to get through the final 2 chapters which are a bit challenging. The topics of the book sometimes manifest in my ruby code--like in this example.
http://timrandg.posterous.com/92728704 More...
http://timrandg.posterous.com/92728704 More...
Feb 19, 2009
Rees
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This is one of the best computer science books ever written. It is a little deceptive, in that the programmed learning style and the examples seem naive. But in fact the book and its sequels, "The Seasoned Schemer" and "The Reasoned Schemer" delve quite deeply into Scheme programming and theory, e.g., there is an amusing discussion of the halting problem in TLS.
These books are also pleasant to read, and can be read in snatches, while in doctor's offices for example.
These books are also pleasant to read, and can be read in snatches, while in doctor's offices for example.
Mar 20, 2010
Wale
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A great introduction to functional programming languages. It's written as a series of questions and answers which you work through as you read. If you're disciplined enough to not look at the answers you can really take a lot from this book. The last two chapters moved too quickly for me. I had to reread a them a couple times to follow what actually was going on. In general, though, it's a great instructional text.
Jan 23, 2009
David
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With a programming language book, unusual teaching methods are not typically welcome. But from the very first page, you'll know if the question/answer format is going to work for you. The onus is on the reader to understand and work out what is going on. It's a great way to force understanding. A wonderful book and a wonderful language.
Jun 26, 2011
Easily the most whimsical, odd, strange programming I've ever read... and I'm loving every second of it. Recursion was never totally clear for me, but this book lays it out in painstaking detail with all kinds of fun examples.
Feb 14, 2011
Thomas
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I gave this a quick read a few years back, but didn't work through all the examples. I'm planning to re-read it, along with it's more recent brethren, in the near future, working through all the exercises along the way.
Nov 13, 2009
Vince
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First half intro to lisp-like languages and intro to programming in general, especially recursion. Written in Q&A format. Workbook like, in that it was designed to be read in front of a computer, to run examples.
Feb 16, 2011
Adolfo
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Small, entertaining and deep. This book is a must read for anyone interested in understanding what programming is really about. This book is timeless; it will change the way you think about computing for the better.
Oct 05, 2009
Rd
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One of my all time favorites on programming and recursive thinking. Highly recommended for anyone interested in computing. But not to read by person on a diet!
Mar 28, 2010
Lars
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Fantastic book for learning Scheme, functional programming and thinking recursively. The last 30 pages or so are REALLY difficult though. You will go through lots of paper as you are doing exercises as you try to understand the magic of the y-combinator.
Dec 16, 2008
Muhammad
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Excellent introduction to programming using Scheme. Uses a unique, conversational, question-and-answer style. Instant classic.
Jul 03, 2011
Dustin
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This book is awesome. It's a fun little book that teaches you scheme, and really changes the way you think about programming.
Jan 31, 2009
I've heard great things about this book.
I'm not enjoying it - too much work.
I'm not enjoying it - too much work.
Nov 22, 2009
wnka
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Is this a good book?
Yes, it is. Now go have a sandwich.
Yes, it is. Now go have a sandwich.
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Apr 11, 2011
Dustin
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The Little Schemer starts out gently enough... but by the end you will have implemented the y combinator as well as a mini interpreter. Excellent book.
Aug 10, 2011
Einar W. Høst
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This is one of my favorite books. It has a unique form that really works for me (a highly entertaining question and answer format that borders on bantering). I've even "stolen" it for some powerpoint presentations. It works there too. Even more impressively, the almost "naive" form is used to effectively and efficiently introduce some very deep concepts, culminating with the Y combinator.
Sep 14, 2009
Rahul
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THE most excellent book to bend your mind around recursion. An absolutely delightful read with great style. Highly recommended!
Jan 03, 2011
Michael
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The Little Schemer is a classic computer science text and there are very good reasons for it: it's poignant, entertaining and teaches you more about Lisp than many of the bigger books around. This is not a complete guide to Scheme as a programming language, it's a book about concepts. Highly recommended!
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Jun 07, 2008
Chandler
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Very amusing little book. It starts out easy, promising quick and light-hearted exercises.
It's a trick.
After awhile, you notice the pace goes slower and slower. Trying to work through the last few chapters is like trying to drink a sledgehammer.
Almost.
It's a trick.
After awhile, you notice the pace goes slower and slower. Trying to work through the last few chapters is like trying to drink a sledgehammer.
Almost.
Aug 12, 2008
D
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Simply amazing. I'd imagine if you're new to programming you won't share that exact sentiment, but I've been floored by this book.
Aug 04, 2007
Steve
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A Socratic tutorial of basic scheme programming including recursion, lambda, and thinking functionally.
Nov 08, 2007
Keegan
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This book made recursion feel like eating a delicious brownie.
Buy it now.
Buy it now.
Jun 17, 2011
Pradip
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This will be the first book I will use to teach programming to my daughter.
Jan 13, 2008
Sunshine
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cute, well thought out, quick, and enlightening. what more could you want?
Feb 12, 2012
Feb 11, 2012
