How Computer Programming Works

Description

Just as children must learn the alphabet before they can read, future programmers must understand certain concepts before they can write their first program. This unique book uses full-color illustrations to help you truly understand the underlying computer science on which all programming is based.

Veteran programmer Dan Appleman provides a comprehensive, easy-to-understand explanation of computer programming, starting from a basic description of what a computer language is to coverage of how Internet programming works. The book shows you how to turn ideas into code and how to use algorithms to accomplish common tasks, and describes the basic function of compilers and interpreters.

What you'll learnWho this book is for

Curious readers of any age will find an accessible yet comprehensive explanation of a field that has revolutionized the way we live and work.

CONTENTS:

Part 1 - Getting Started:

* Chapter 1: What Are Hardware and Software?

* Chapter 2: What Is a Computer Language

Part 2 - Data

* Chapter 3: Variables

* Chapter 4: Numeric Values

* Chapter 5: Text Variables

* Chapter 6: Boolean and Flag Variables

* Chapter 7: Pointers

Part 3 - Code

* Chapter 8: Statements and Operators

* Chapter 9: Blocks and Functions

* Chapter 10: Program Flow

* Chapter 11: Variable Declaration and Scoping

Part 4 - Organizing Data

* Chapter 12: Arrays

* Chapter 13: Structures

* Chapter 14: Stacks and Queues

* Chapter 15: Linked Lists

* Chapter 16: Decision Trees

Part 5 - Algorithms

* Chapter 17: Searching and Scanning

* Chapter 18: Recursion

* Chapter 19: Sorting

* Chapter 20: Working with Files

* Chapter 21: Graphics

* Chapter 22: Simulations

Part 6 - Methods and Tools

* Chapter 23: How Computer Languages Works

* Chapter 24: Why are there so Many Computer Languages?

* Chapter 25: How Programmers Work

Part 7 - Languages and Technologies

* Chapter 26: How Assembly Language Works

* Chapter 27: How the C Language Works

* Chapter 28: How BASIC Works

* Chapter 29: How Event-Driven Programming Works

* Chapter 30: How User Interface Design Works

* Chapter 31: How Object Oriented Programming (C++ and Java) Work

* Chapter 32: How Internet Programming Works

* Chapter 33: How Embedded Programming Works, and How to Program Your VCR

Where Do You Go from Here?