A Balanced Introduction to Computer Science [Paperback]

David Reed (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 28, 2004

For Introduction to Computing and the Web courses in the departments of Math and Computer Science. This carefully written, balanced text teaches students the most important concepts in computing and computer science while providing enough programming depth to enable them to understand how people work with computers. Taking advantage of today's students' interest in and familiarity with the Web, the text contains experimental problems using Web-based tools; enabling them to learn the fundamentals of programming by developing their own interactive Web pages.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“The textbook [Reed] explains a concept, shows the code, then give a pictorial example to reinforce that point. An excellent example is in chapter four when talking about ONMOUSEOVER and ONMOUSEOUT.” — Dr. Jenna Miley, Bainbridge College

“The thing that struck me [about Reed] was how the examples are presented followed by adding functionality, basically anticipating questions that a reader would have after doing the examples.” — Lionel Craddock, Bluefield State College

“The examples are illuminating and effective.” — Lionel Craddock, Bluefield State College

“This text [Reed] offers very clear explanations of difficult topics.” — Ralph Hooper, University of Alabama

“Reed’s examples are relevant and fun; his language is clear and concise, and his use of the language is accessible to non-majors.” — Arnold D. Miles, Georgetown University

“The programming is presented in a well-organized manner; it builds smoothly.” — Arnold D. Miles, Georgetown University --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover

A Balanced Introduction to Computer Science represents a unique and innovative approach to introductory computer science courses. In contrast with traditional texts that focus almost exclusively on either breadth (a survey of computing concepts) or depth (programming and problem solving), this text provides a balanced view of computing. Breadth chapters cover concepts and issues in computing that are most relevant to the beginning student, including computer terminology, the Internet and Web. algorithms and software. and technology's impact on society. Mixed among these topics are depth chapters that introduce fundamental programming concepts anti skills with hands-on tutorials. Using HTML and the programming language JavaScript. students develop problem-solving skills as they design and implement interactive Web pages.

Breadth Chapters

• Breadth-based chapters focus on topics that are most relevant to a beginning student, and are written in an engaging, easy-to-read style.
• Illustrations, photographs; and Web-based Visualization tools are used extensively to illuminate key points.
• Each chapter ends with a Chapter Summary and Review Questions that encourage reflection and the integration of content from that chapter.

Depth Chapters

• Depth-based chapters are presented as hands-on tutorials, recognizing that the only way to learn programming and problem solving is to actually do it.
• Tutorial exercises follow an incremental approach allowing students to master programming concepts by first studying and modifying existing programs before designing and implementing new programs that solve interesting problems.
• Program design and debugging advice is provided in special sections called Designer Secrets and Common Errors to Avoid.
• Each chapter includes a Chapter Summary that identifies key concepts, and Supplemental Material and Exercises to facilitate further study.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall (June 28, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 013046709X
• ISBN-13: 978-0130467096
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,171,754 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Suitable for an introduction to computer science course, March 1, 2005

By 

Charles Ashbacher (Marion, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Balanced Introduction to Computer Science (Paperback)

There are generally two courses for beginners in computing. "Introduction to Computers" is usually designed for people who know very little about computers and are interested in using them in their daily life. While "Introduction to Computer Science" covers some of the same material, it is designed for those who want to know how computers work, and perhaps even take some courses in computer science. This book is written for the second type of course.
Programming is introduced via HTML, which is in complete agreement with what I tell everyone who expresses an interest in learning to program. HTML is easy to understand, demonstrates some of the ideas of advanced programming and the feedback is immediate. Furthermore, initial programs can be small and since the student will most certainly be familiar with surfing the web, the results will make sense to them.
What most people consider to be true programming, writing code with variables, functions, if constructs, loops and user interaction, are introduced with JavaScript. This is also a sound decision, JavaScript is powerful enough to introduce the basics of programming, builds on the previous HTML coding and is freely available. Other chapters cover a brief history of computing, how data is represented in computers, the fundamentals of digital logic and the impact computers are having on society. A large number of images are used to reinforce the text, and exercises are embedded inside the chapters with another set at the end of the chapter.
If you are in the queue to teach an introduction to computer science course, then you should examine this book. It is well written and the level of presentation is appropriate for the typical student taking such a course. It could also be used for self-study.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Book, if a little expensive, October 5, 2011

By 

Ginger (America.) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Balanced Introduction to Computer Science, A (3rd Edition) (Paperback)

I had to buy this book for class, and I've been trudging through the exercises for the last month. Reed does a good job of explaining things and starting with basics and then building on them. I don't ever stress about the exercises, because in general they are rather easy, though they do consistently take longer than I expect them to take. Good for learning HTML & Javascript basics.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars GETTING THE BASICS DOWN!, February 11, 2010

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Mark Z. Filter - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Balanced Introduction to Computer Science (Paperback)

This book was required for a college course. It is a great book to learn about Computer Science in general. The book focuses on the internet and creating basic Web-pages. You will learn how to work with JavaScript and HTML code. You gain the knowledge to generally understand how to possibly make a Forum website. The book stresses text/number input, manipulation of text/numbers, and then output of text/numbers in various ways. You will learn about the history of the internet, the difference between what the Internet is and the World Wide Web. Yes, there is a difference! The drawback to this book is that there are a lot of type-o's in the code examples. You will learn enough in the book to be able to proof read the example, but it may cause you some headaches.