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Computer Science Distilled: Learn the Art of Solving Computational Problems
A foolproof walkthrough of must-know computer science concepts. Designed for readers who don't need the academic formality, it's a fast and easy computer science guide. It teaches essential concepts for people who want to program computers effectively. First, it introduces discrete mathematics, then it exposes the most common algorithms and data structures. It also shows the principles that make computers and programming languages work.
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First published January 17, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
January 3, 2018
This is a wonderfully bound and fantastically & profusely advertised book. That's where the praise stops.
This is essentially a quick gloss over some of the essential topics in computer science. This is what it intends to be, granted; but in a book where you feel your intended audience need the concept of multiplication explained to them, it would make sense to explain it in a way that makes sense.
This pattern of explaining without clarification, therefore not explaining at all is a common one throughout the book. Topics that I understand fully, I struggled to see what the author was saying, logic, for example.
The diagrams help, except in the case where they are simply XKCD cartoons of course.
This will not -as promised- make you a better programmer. I have been one for 10 years and learned nothing from this book, other than how not to write a book.
This will not work as an introduction to programming, there is no programming in there and if you can understand the concepts with this level of explanation, a Google search will cost you much less and teach you much more.
This will not work as an introduction to Computer Science, it's simply too shallow.
Who is this book for? People who have nothing to do with the industry, don't really need to know anything but are interested in vaguely knowing what Computer Science is. Pop-CS if you will. You wont be able to hold a conversation about CS but you might be able to grasp the odd thing that people talking about CS will say.
I can only imagine the people reviewing this book at 5 stars are complete laymen, friends of the author or somehow linked to his obviously well funded marketing campaign.
I requested a refund under the terms stated by the author that if it didn't make me a better programmer I would have a full refund. i.e.
"If you don’t feel Computer Science Distilled helped you substantially into becoming a better programmer, I can’t accept your money. For whatever reason, even no reason at all, simply send me an email up to 30 days after your purchase—and I’ll instantly rush a full refund of every penny you paid"
But this offer is conditional, in the authors words:-
"I can’t issue refunds, because your payment is sent to Amazon, not me"
I have also been blocked from commenting on the Code.Energy Facebook page for saying negative things about this book, and my negative comments seem to have disappeared to further highlight how aggressive this marketing campaign is.
This is essentially a quick gloss over some of the essential topics in computer science. This is what it intends to be, granted; but in a book where you feel your intended audience need the concept of multiplication explained to them, it would make sense to explain it in a way that makes sense.
This pattern of explaining without clarification, therefore not explaining at all is a common one throughout the book. Topics that I understand fully, I struggled to see what the author was saying, logic, for example.
The diagrams help, except in the case where they are simply XKCD cartoons of course.
This will not -as promised- make you a better programmer. I have been one for 10 years and learned nothing from this book, other than how not to write a book.
This will not work as an introduction to programming, there is no programming in there and if you can understand the concepts with this level of explanation, a Google search will cost you much less and teach you much more.
This will not work as an introduction to Computer Science, it's simply too shallow.
Who is this book for? People who have nothing to do with the industry, don't really need to know anything but are interested in vaguely knowing what Computer Science is. Pop-CS if you will. You wont be able to hold a conversation about CS but you might be able to grasp the odd thing that people talking about CS will say.
I can only imagine the people reviewing this book at 5 stars are complete laymen, friends of the author or somehow linked to his obviously well funded marketing campaign.
I requested a refund under the terms stated by the author that if it didn't make me a better programmer I would have a full refund. i.e.
"If you don’t feel Computer Science Distilled helped you substantially into becoming a better programmer, I can’t accept your money. For whatever reason, even no reason at all, simply send me an email up to 30 days after your purchase—and I’ll instantly rush a full refund of every penny you paid"
But this offer is conditional, in the authors words:-
"I can’t issue refunds, because your payment is sent to Amazon, not me"
I have also been blocked from commenting on the Code.Energy Facebook page for saying negative things about this book, and my negative comments seem to have disappeared to further highlight how aggressive this marketing campaign is.
September 27, 2017
What a waste of time and money.
Put simply: this book's intended audience does not exist.
If you are studied in Computer Science, this book is not for you.
The only topics covered in this book are ones with which you should be extremely familiar.
If you have a vague understanding of Computer Science but want to learn more, this book is not for you.
Each topic is breezed over--often times merely mentioned by name. You will be unable to keep up without supporting material. And if you have supporting material, might as well just read that instead.
If you are brand new to Computer Science, this book is not for you. This book works under the assumption that you have a working knowledge of all topics covered.
The hypothetical audience for this book is someone who knows all there is to know about CS, simultaneously maintaining a professorial understanding and forgetting everything about each topic as they read it.
In short: An utterly useless book.
Put simply: this book's intended audience does not exist.
If you are studied in Computer Science, this book is not for you.
The only topics covered in this book are ones with which you should be extremely familiar.
If you have a vague understanding of Computer Science but want to learn more, this book is not for you.
Each topic is breezed over--often times merely mentioned by name. You will be unable to keep up without supporting material. And if you have supporting material, might as well just read that instead.
If you are brand new to Computer Science, this book is not for you. This book works under the assumption that you have a working knowledge of all topics covered.
The hypothetical audience for this book is someone who knows all there is to know about CS, simultaneously maintaining a professorial understanding and forgetting everything about each topic as they read it.
In short: An utterly useless book.
June 14, 2017
Wlad did a fantastic job in explaining core concepts involved in computer science. Apart from minuscule typos(they don't hamper logic in any way), I had a great time reading this book and relating it to MIT lectures. We need more books like these in different fields like genetics, neurosciences. Books like these will bolster our understanding of various concepts. I urge Wlad to write more books on topics like AI, AGI, Algorithms, NLP etc.
July 17, 2017
Very good read IF you are a beginner programmer. Most of the topics covered in this book are unknown or at least not well-known to novice developers and are essential to be a good programmer.
It has a simple wording and excellent examples to understand the concepts although I think it leaves some concepts without explanation, I need a second opinion (from a friend who knows nothing of CS) to really know if it is as simple, clear and well explained as I'm thinking, it was to me.
I don't think this book is enough to master all these topics because computer science is a wide field and it takes so much time to grasp all of the intricacies, but it is a good introduction to the way of thought of a serious and professional developer.
I would recommend it to any developer who has not studied computer sciences or curious person who would like to know more about computer science. Also, you could take it as an index or a syllabus to know what to study to master computer science. His references and the end of the chapters are great.
And finally, the quality of impression and binding are great in this edition.
It has a simple wording and excellent examples to understand the concepts although I think it leaves some concepts without explanation, I need a second opinion (from a friend who knows nothing of CS) to really know if it is as simple, clear and well explained as I'm thinking, it was to me.
I don't think this book is enough to master all these topics because computer science is a wide field and it takes so much time to grasp all of the intricacies, but it is a good introduction to the way of thought of a serious and professional developer.
I would recommend it to any developer who has not studied computer sciences or curious person who would like to know more about computer science. Also, you could take it as an index or a syllabus to know what to study to master computer science. His references and the end of the chapters are great.
And finally, the quality of impression and binding are great in this edition.
July 18, 2018
I teach introductory (and advanced) programming courses at the college level. This book is a great quick reference as well as a soft introduction to many computer science concepts. If you are just starting out or need a refresher, I highly recommend adding this to your bookshelf. The author explains things well, and also happens to be a helpful person who responds to email and happy to share his knowledge.
April 24, 2021
What an amazing introduction to the world of computer science for a beginner. I would highly recommend this book as it build from very basic concepts to explain such a complex science. I wish I read this book when I first started computer science.
April 16, 2021
Computer Science Distilled: Learn the Art of Solving Computational Problems
Wladston Ferreira Filho
One of my mental models is First Principles. When I'm really interested in a topic I like to be able to understand the first principles around it to build my understanding. And when I really understanding a topic, I can get creative with it.
For me, CS Distilled was a "First Principles" recap of some of the most important topics in Computer Science. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to (really) learn CS fundamentals in plain English; I think it's a useful prerequisite to writing efficient code.
Wladston Ferreira Filho
One of my mental models is First Principles. When I'm really interested in a topic I like to be able to understand the first principles around it to build my understanding. And when I really understanding a topic, I can get creative with it.
For me, CS Distilled was a "First Principles" recap of some of the most important topics in Computer Science. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to (really) learn CS fundamentals in plain English; I think it's a useful prerequisite to writing efficient code.
September 1, 2025
A good high level overview on the basics on computer science and programming, enjoyed this more than I thought I would!
September 12, 2018
I got this book in order to provide myself with some foundational CS knowledge due to me walking the path of a self-taught developer.
I've read the book and it has helped me immensely, knowledge gained from this book and the awesome way author presents the knowledge has made this book easily one of my favourite reads.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who is looking to improve upon their CS knowledge while at the same time avoiding the boring walls of texts similar books just throw at you, unlike this book which presents the content in a well-formatted, easily-understandable and fun, packed with emoji way.
I've read the book and it has helped me immensely, knowledge gained from this book and the awesome way author presents the knowledge has made this book easily one of my favourite reads.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who is looking to improve upon their CS knowledge while at the same time avoiding the boring walls of texts similar books just throw at you, unlike this book which presents the content in a well-formatted, easily-understandable and fun, packed with emoji way.
May 25, 2017
A highly concentrated knowledge required for every programmer. It short, engaging, concise and have a lot of references. This is a must-have book for everyone who solves coding problems.
August 4, 2021
Learned something new and interesting in this one, also didn't manage to remember everything that was in the book
February 1, 2022
Really straightforward and simple content. It helps those who have little experience with computer science making sense their fragment pieces of knowledge.
June 17, 2017
ENG/CZ
A really nice introduction to computer science for those that do not have time for more academic books about the topic. It allows to grasp the basic concepts, introduces some neat algorithms, and strengthens good algorithm design, while allowing the reader to get into writing good code very soon. I would certainly recommend anyone interested in programming to read it and not be surprised or dissuaded by the emoticons in the beginning of each chapter. This book goes reasonably into the topic and is not just a childish CS intro. Also, thanks to its style, good examples, and the use of web sources, it truly looks like a 21st century introduction to the topic.
CZ:
Velice pěkný úvod do výpočtové techniky - jak vysvětlení principů různých algoritmů, výpočtové složitosti nebo pravidel jak psát dobrý kód. Mohu doporučit. Je psána srozumitelně a i když na první pohled, díky užívání emotikon, se člověk obává, že to bude vskutku dětský úvod do tématu, kniha se pouští do cvičení a otázek dost do hloubky. Užití dobrých příkladů, odkazů na další zdroje a výkladu z toho myslím dělá vskutku moderní úvod do tématu.
A really nice introduction to computer science for those that do not have time for more academic books about the topic. It allows to grasp the basic concepts, introduces some neat algorithms, and strengthens good algorithm design, while allowing the reader to get into writing good code very soon. I would certainly recommend anyone interested in programming to read it and not be surprised or dissuaded by the emoticons in the beginning of each chapter. This book goes reasonably into the topic and is not just a childish CS intro. Also, thanks to its style, good examples, and the use of web sources, it truly looks like a 21st century introduction to the topic.
CZ:
Velice pěkný úvod do výpočtové techniky - jak vysvětlení principů různých algoritmů, výpočtové složitosti nebo pravidel jak psát dobrý kód. Mohu doporučit. Je psána srozumitelně a i když na první pohled, díky užívání emotikon, se člověk obává, že to bude vskutku dětský úvod do tématu, kniha se pouští do cvičení a otázek dost do hloubky. Užití dobrých příkladů, odkazů na další zdroje a výkladu z toho myslím dělá vskutku moderní úvod do tématu.
July 22, 2018
Отличная книга. Всем начинающим и продолжающим в IT прочитать необходимо. А то сейчас есть толпы что кодеров, что тестеров, которые часть из этих азов не знают.
April 27, 2020
It is what it's advertised. If you're looking to start your interview process and you're a. bit rusty, it's a good book for you.
June 5, 2017
The book is well written but VERY BASIC LEVEL.
November 16, 2017
This is a nothing but a heavily advertised piece of junk. At every point where the author needs to explain a complex idea or process, he just adds the word "simply do ____", despite the fact that what he's asking you to do is not that simple, especially for a novice (and he comes off as very condescending when he does this).
Thus, he's copping out on actually explaining most of the processes - he never gives thorough enough information on how to approach a problem. This is an awful habit for an introductory level teacher to have.
The book just vaguely glosses over every topic, and that's a terrible characteristic (though it's advertised as a good one)! This reduces the book to nothing more than a half-assed and heavy-handed encyclopedia that will force you to seek out more competent sources.
It also seems that the author's English is not that strong, because he's just not an effective communicator. I've had to re-read paragraphs in the book 5-7 times over just to decipher what he was trying to say. I'm only 17 pages deep and I've already found 3 typos. The book isn't even that long! This is just a careless effort all around...
I'd like my money back.
Thus, he's copping out on actually explaining most of the processes - he never gives thorough enough information on how to approach a problem. This is an awful habit for an introductory level teacher to have.
The book just vaguely glosses over every topic, and that's a terrible characteristic (though it's advertised as a good one)! This reduces the book to nothing more than a half-assed and heavy-handed encyclopedia that will force you to seek out more competent sources.
It also seems that the author's English is not that strong, because he's just not an effective communicator. I've had to re-read paragraphs in the book 5-7 times over just to decipher what he was trying to say. I'm only 17 pages deep and I've already found 3 typos. The book isn't even that long! This is just a careless effort all around...
I'd like my money back.
March 28, 2017
Very nice introduction to CS.
September 2, 2020
Computer science is a topic which I have been lightly dabbling with for the last two years, or so. My background is in philosophy, so logic, and analysis is something I appreciate, but I am no computer whiz.
I have been learning data science for a couple of yers, and decided it was time that I become somewhat fluent in the topic of computer science, itself. I was after a book that would not be way above my level of comprehension, and found “Computer Science Distilled,” by Wladston Ferreira Filho. Holding a Master’s degree in Computing Science, he seems qualified to write on this subject.
I was impressed how he managed to discern which information was relevant to new learners, without presupposing prior knowledge of the subject. At his level of academia, it might be easy to get out of touch with the layman in the field, something which he does not do in this book.
In about 160 pages, he covers everything from logic/mathematics, to the nature of data, and algorithms. He then discusses databases, and gives a quick introduction to how computers work at the hardware level. To top it off, he gives an introduction to programming.
Nothing in this book presupposes any prior programming knowledge, and the code he does use is written in a pseudocode which resembles Python. It is very straightforward.
Each chapter can be read in isolation, as reference, or as a whole.
This book seems highly suitable for people entertaining the idea of pursuing computer science, but aren’t sure. It would also be useful for people working with computers, and want to know a bit more about how they operate under the hood. Even someone who isn’t mechanically inclined should know a bit about checking their oil, and what a funny noise might indicate. This book will help you with that, but with computers.
Reading this book helped me see that a tech degree is not out of my reach, at all, and I will be keeping this book nearby as I pursue my first year of a Computer Science degree, at the ripe old age of 39, and you should too.
I have been learning data science for a couple of yers, and decided it was time that I become somewhat fluent in the topic of computer science, itself. I was after a book that would not be way above my level of comprehension, and found “Computer Science Distilled,” by Wladston Ferreira Filho. Holding a Master’s degree in Computing Science, he seems qualified to write on this subject.
I was impressed how he managed to discern which information was relevant to new learners, without presupposing prior knowledge of the subject. At his level of academia, it might be easy to get out of touch with the layman in the field, something which he does not do in this book.
In about 160 pages, he covers everything from logic/mathematics, to the nature of data, and algorithms. He then discusses databases, and gives a quick introduction to how computers work at the hardware level. To top it off, he gives an introduction to programming.
Nothing in this book presupposes any prior programming knowledge, and the code he does use is written in a pseudocode which resembles Python. It is very straightforward.
Each chapter can be read in isolation, as reference, or as a whole.
This book seems highly suitable for people entertaining the idea of pursuing computer science, but aren’t sure. It would also be useful for people working with computers, and want to know a bit more about how they operate under the hood. Even someone who isn’t mechanically inclined should know a bit about checking their oil, and what a funny noise might indicate. This book will help you with that, but with computers.
Reading this book helped me see that a tech degree is not out of my reach, at all, and I will be keeping this book nearby as I pursue my first year of a Computer Science degree, at the ripe old age of 39, and you should too.
July 22, 2017
This is the work of a first rate mind at peak capacity. Wladston Ferreira Filho's "Computer Science Distilled" is simply a great treasure worth many, many times whatever the bookstores sell it for. There are just some things that can never be quantified by money, such as the insights and the mindset you gain that will serve you in good stead in so many ways. It is really impressive how Filho was able to translate nose-bleeding ideas like the Djkistra Algorithm and time complexity analysis and makes you say, "Aha, so that's what it is!" Who would have thought that exponentials, iteration, SQL and the declarative programming paradigm can be such fun? Albert Einstein once said that if you really understand your subject, you can explain it to anybody in a way they will really understand. Filho is a real genius in the best sense of the word.
September 5, 2022
Fantastic book for those who want to have an accurate, well explained introduction to computer science. The author is capable of condensing complex topics into intuitive explanations and exmaples. Highly recommended to those who want to dig deeper into the world of computer science and technology in general.
December 29, 2022
I found this book in a Little Free Library and it turned out to be a great overview of major computer science topics. I’m currently getting my masters in CS and many of the topics were things I’d learned in more depth in my classes, but it was great to read a high-level overview of CS ideas to further solidify my understanding. I’m glad I found it and I’ll be recommending it to anybody who wants to learn the CS basics.
July 29, 2018
I've been writing JavaScript for a few years now, but with no CS degree, I've always felt I have gaps in understanding how computers work. Now that I've read this book, I've learned a lot and the most important of this is that now I know what I need to learn to fill the gaps.
May 26, 2019
A simple, but not simplistic, book. I wish I would have read this prior to starting a master’s degree in software engineering - it would have provided a great foundation for some topics I’ve only recently begun to understand.
July 30, 2019
This book is really great and I recommend it to those who are breaking into the world of software/application development or even to those with a CS degree but want to refresh their knowledge.
It's a well written book that covers all the essentials needed and is easy to read.
It's a well written book that covers all the essentials needed and is easy to read.
June 26, 2020
Very light yet informative. Some very interesting content and a joy to read.
May 1, 2017
Best and fastest introduction to computer science
November 26, 2017
Easy, interesting, and isn't boring. Each IT beginner should read it. This book give basic understanding of IT stuff
September 1, 2022
I am starting a MSc in Computer Science this September, and I was looking for a solid overview of Computer Science to prepare me for my MSc.
Your book was perfect, I feel it has helped me greatly and wanted to drop a message saying how much it has helped me.
I love the structure of the book (quotes at beginning of each chapter, how the chapters are organised) and you are very good at simplifying complex ideas.
Thank you again :)
Your book was perfect, I feel it has helped me greatly and wanted to drop a message saying how much it has helped me.
I love the structure of the book (quotes at beginning of each chapter, how the chapters are organised) and you are very good at simplifying complex ideas.
Thank you again :)
November 24, 2017
THE BOOK you need to read to understand the basics of CS. A perfect overview, clear and intuitive. It includes everything you need to get up to speed and makes you feel really powerful. Perfect after a coding bootcamp. Definitely, a must-read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews