Algorithmics: The Spirit of Computing

by David Harel, David Welch, Yishai Feldman

The best selling 'Algorithmics' presents the most important, concepts, methods and results that are fundamental to the science of computing. It starts by introducing the basic ideas of algorithms, including their structures and methods of data manipulation. It then goes on to demonstrate how to design accurate and efficient algorithms, and discusses their inherent limitations. As the author himself says in the preface to the book; 'This book attempts to present a readable account of some of the most important and basic topics of computer science, stressing the fundamental and robust nature of the science in a form that is virtually independent of the details of specific computers, languages and formalisms'.

Genres: Computer Science, Algorithms, Nonfiction, Programming, Mathematics, Science, Technology

536 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Alon Gutman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book when I was 14, and it was for me the introduction to computer science, (and anything related to programming).

I think if you don't know anything about computer science, but you like mathematics,
and want to know what is an algorithm, you will find this book to be fascinating, and great introduction to computer science and algorithmic thinking.

[Antek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top 10 books that made me cry.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I had read this when studying for my degree. Well worth reading.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skimmed out of interest, fairly solid introduction to algorithmics, doesn't rely too heavily on previous or technical knowledge. Would recommend to a beginner.

[Gavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thing of beauty: an attempt at a work of computer science that doesn’t date. It's general abstract introductory matter. The field is hugely consequential: different algorithms for the same task can differ in performance by a factor of trillions.

Bible quotations book-end each chapter and give this a frisson of something other.

[Alan Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book with good substance about the Algorithm field and the chapters about Probabilistic Algorithms and Algorithmics and Inteligence is a good reference to start.