Dive into the depths of computer science with 'Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs,' a foundational text that uncovers the principles of programming through the lens of Lisp. Abelson and Sussman guide readers on an intellectual journey, revealing how abstract concepts underpin the art of program design. This edition expands upon classic paradigms, integrating real-world applications and modern techniques. Discover how the elegance of programming mirrors the beauty of mathematics and philosophy. Whether you're a seasoned coder or a curious novice, this book offers profound insights that challenge and inspire.
By Harold Abelson, Gerald Jay Sussman
Published: 1996
"The process of abstraction is not just about hiding details, but about understanding the fundamental structures that underlie complex systems."
Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs has had a dramatic impact on computer science curricula over the past decade. This long-awaited revision contains changes throughout the text. There are new implementations of most of the major programming systems in the book, including the interpreters and compilers, and the authors have incorporated many small changes that reflect their experience teaching the course at MIT since the first edition was published. A new theme has been introduced that emphasizes the central role played by different approaches to dealing with time in computational models: objects with state, concurrent programming, functional programming and lazy evaluation, and nondeterministic programming. There are new example sections on higher-order procedures in graphics and on applications of stream processing in numerical programming, and many new exercises. In addition, all the programs have been reworked to run in any Scheme implementation that adheres to the IEEE standard.
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“The process of abstraction is not just about hiding details, but about understanding the fundamental structures that underlie complex systems.”
Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs, second edition
By Harold Abelson, Gerald Jay Sussman
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Harold Abelson is a renowned computer scientist and educator, recognized for his pivotal contributions to the field of computer science and programming education. He is a co-author of the influential textbook 'Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs' (SICP), which has been instrumental in shaping the curriculum of computer science programs worldwide. Abelson is also a notable figure behind the MIT OpenCourseWare initiative, promoting free and open access to educational resources. His writing style is clear and pedagogical, focusing on making complex concepts accessible to learners. Abelson's work emphasizes the interplay between computer science and society, advocating for the ethical implications of technology.
Gerald Jay Sussman is a prominent American computer scientist, educator, and author known for his significant contributions to the field of computer science and artificial intelligence. He is a Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Sussman co-authored the influential textbook 'Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs' with Harold Abelson, which has played a crucial role in computer science education since its publication in 1985. He is also known for his work on the programming language Scheme and as a key figure in the development of artificial intelligence. Sussman's writing style is characterized by its clarity and accessibility, reflecting his belief in the importance of understanding complex concepts through a foundational approach.
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