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Racket Programming the Fun Way: From Strings to Turing Machines
An introduction to the Racket functional programming language and DrRacket development environment to explore topics in mathematics (mostly recreational) and computer science.
At last, a lively guided tour through all the features, functions, and applications of the Racket programming language. You'll learn a variety of coding paradigms, including iterative, object oriented, and logic programming; create interactive graphics, draw diagrams, and solve puzzles as you explore Racket through fun computer science topics--from statistical analysis to search algorithms, the Turing machine, and more.
Early chapters cover basic Racket concepts like data types, syntax, variables, strings, and formatted output. You'll learn how to perform math in Racket's rich numerical environment, and use programming constructs in different problem domains (like coding solutions to the Tower of Hanoi puzzle). Later, you'll play with plotting, grapple with graphics, and visualize data. Then, you'll escape the confines of the command line to produce animations, interactive games, and a card trick program that'll dazzle your friends.
You'll learn how
Racket Programming the Fun Way is just like the language itself--an embodiment of everything that makes programming interesting and worthwhile, and that makes you a better programmer.
At last, a lively guided tour through all the features, functions, and applications of the Racket programming language. You'll learn a variety of coding paradigms, including iterative, object oriented, and logic programming; create interactive graphics, draw diagrams, and solve puzzles as you explore Racket through fun computer science topics--from statistical analysis to search algorithms, the Turing machine, and more.
Early chapters cover basic Racket concepts like data types, syntax, variables, strings, and formatted output. You'll learn how to perform math in Racket's rich numerical environment, and use programming constructs in different problem domains (like coding solutions to the Tower of Hanoi puzzle). Later, you'll play with plotting, grapple with graphics, and visualize data. Then, you'll escape the confines of the command line to produce animations, interactive games, and a card trick program that'll dazzle your friends.
You'll learn how
Racket Programming the Fun Way is just like the language itself--an embodiment of everything that makes programming interesting and worthwhile, and that makes you a better programmer.
360 pages, Paperback
Published January 8, 2021
9 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 7, 2021
I have strange feelings about this book.
Some of the subjects themselves look interesting, but the whole experience isn't great at all. The book looks like a paper version of the author's personal blog with some lazy additions. Additions like the one about Racket syntax: the reader has a couple of pages about the very basics and a good dozen of pages about just the for-loops. This is a "Look, how fun the loops in Racket!" but not the "Racket basics". And the whole book is structured in such a manner: you have a lazy intro to some subject and a couple of pages with code or formulas. Yep, one can get enlightenment and go to dig somewhere else. But is it for that the book exists?
Summary:
- As a textbook the "Fun Way" is horrible.
- As a source of inspiration it can be good.
Some of the subjects themselves look interesting, but the whole experience isn't great at all. The book looks like a paper version of the author's personal blog with some lazy additions. Additions like the one about Racket syntax: the reader has a couple of pages about the very basics and a good dozen of pages about just the for-loops. This is a "Look, how fun the loops in Racket!" but not the "Racket basics". And the whole book is structured in such a manner: you have a lazy intro to some subject and a couple of pages with code or formulas. Yep, one can get enlightenment and go to dig somewhere else. But is it for that the book exists?
Summary:
- As a textbook the "Fun Way" is horrible.
- As a source of inspiration it can be good.
March 7, 2023
The Fun Way
While I may not have found Racket to be a useful programming language, it's worth noting that it has been used in a variety of fields such as education, research, and industry.
The book's well-written content and great examples make it a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning Racket programming.
Perhaps exploring different use cases could help you discover the benefits of the language.
Overall, it's an enjoyable and well-written book.
3.8/5
While I may not have found Racket to be a useful programming language, it's worth noting that it has been used in a variety of fields such as education, research, and industry.
The book's well-written content and great examples make it a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning Racket programming.
Perhaps exploring different use cases could help you discover the benefits of the language.
Overall, it's an enjoyable and well-written book.
3.8/5
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews