In 'The Little Schemer', readers embark on a whimsical journey through the world of computer programming and functional programming concepts. Using a unique dialogue format, the book introduces recursive thinking and encourages a playful exploration of problem-solving. Each chapter builds on the previous one, posing intriguing questions that challenge assumptions and ignite curiosity. As you engage with the 'schemer', you'll discover the elegance of coding and the beauty of mathematical concepts intertwined. This fourth edition enriches the experience with updated examples, making it a timeless classic for novices and seasoned programmers alike.
By Daniel P. Friedman, Matthias Felleisen
Published: 1995
""The process of learning is not just about finding answers, but about enriching our thinking and nurturing our curiosity.""
The notion that "thinking about computing is one of the most exciting things the human mind can do" sets both The Little Schemer (formerly known as The Little LISPer) and its new companion volume, The Seasoned Schemer, apart from other books on LISP. The authors' enthusiasm for their subject is compelling as they present abstract concepts in a humorous and easy-to-grasp fashion. Together, these books will open new doors of thought to anyone who wants to find out what computing is really about. The Little Schemer introduces computing as an extension of arithmetic and algebra; things that everyone studies in grade school and high school. It introduces programs as recursive functions and briefly discusses the limits of what computers can do. The authors use the programming language Scheme, and interesting foods to illustrate these abstract ideas. The Seasoned Schemer informs the reader about additional dimensions of computing: functions as values, change of state, and exceptional cases. The Little LISPer has been a popular introduction to LISP for many years. It had appeared in French and Japanese. The Little Schemer and The Seasoned Schemer are worthy successors and will prove equally popular as textbooks for Scheme courses as well as companion texts for any complete introductory course in Computer Science.
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“"The process of learning is not just about finding answers, but about enriching our thinking and nurturing our curiosity."”
The Little Schemer, fourth edition
By Daniel P. Friedman, Matthias Felleisen
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Daniel P. Friedman is a prominent computer scientist and author, best known for his influential works in programming language design and functional programming. He is a co-author of the renowned textbook 'Essentials of Programming Languages' and has contributed significantly to the field of computer science through his research and writings. His writing style is characterized by clarity and accessibility, making complex concepts understandable for both students and professionals. Friedman's work often emphasizes the theoretical foundations of programming and the practical applications of functional programming methodologies.
Matthias Felleisen is a celebrated computer scientist and author, renowned for his contributions to programming languages and software development, particularly in education. He is a professor at Northeastern University and has authored several influential books in the field, including 'The Little Schemer,' 'The Little Typist,' and 'How to Design Programs.' Felleisen's writing is characterized by its clarity, accessibility, and focus on the principles of computer science through a pedagogical lens. His work has been instrumental in shaping the way programming is taught and understood, making complex concepts more approachable for learners and educators alike.
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