Basic Category Theory for Computer Scientists (Foundations of Computing) (Paperback)

by Benjamin C. Pierce (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Category theory is a branch of pure mathematics that is becoming an increasingly important tool in theoretical computer science, especially in programming language semantics, domain theory, and concurrency, where it is already a standard language of discourse. Assuming a minimum of mathematical preparation, Basic Category Theory for Computer Scientists provides a straightforward presentation of the basic constructions and terminology of category theory, including limits, functors, natural transformations, adjoints, and cartesian closed categories. Four case studies illustrate applications of category theory to programming language design, semantics, and the solution of recursive domain equations. A brief literature survey offers suggestions for further study in more advanced texts. Benjamin C. Pierce received his doctoral degree from Carnegie Mellon University.

Contents: Tutorial. Applications. Further Reading.

About the Author
Benjamin C. Pierce is Professor of Computer and Information Science at the University of Pennsylvania.

Product Details

• Paperback: 114 pages
• Publisher: The MIT Press; 1 edition (August 7, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0262660717
• ISBN-13: 978-0262660716
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #310,156 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Too terse, March 27, 2004

By A Customer

This is a very short book: 70 pages of text + a bibliography. The first 50 pages are about general category theory, and the last 20 pages are specifically for computer scientists. My interest is in general category theory, and I bought this because I have a BS in CS and thought I'd find plenty of familiar examples. Unfortunately this book doesn't have nearly enough examples. I found it easier to skim some undergrad abstract algebra books in the library (groups, rings, vector spaces) and then continuing with category theory intros written for math students.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Really expensive for a set of notes..., December 6, 2005

By	Foo Bar (United States) - See all my reviews

You can find better introductions to category theory available on the net for free. Try searching for Lambert Meertens, Marten Fokkinga, and Jaap Van Oosten, for example. Or Barr and Wells, Triples, Toposes, and Theories. Or Asperti and Longo. Or watch Eugenia Cheng's videos on YouTube, which are fantastic.

But if you want to buy a book, get Barr and Wells, Category Theory for Computing Science. Unfortunately, you have to order it directly from the University of Montreal. It's a great book, by far the best intro to category theory available, *way* better than this! Then, after that, you can read MacLane...

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Basic crib sheet for category theory, April 2, 2006

By	J. Elliott (Natick, MA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Anyone coming to this book from Pierce's "Types and Programming Languages" will be disappointed. While his "Types ..." book is a model of clear exposition, this book reads like a set of notes jotted down on the back on an envelope. The extensive bibliographic sections are more than fifteen years out of date. Much of the material referenced is no longer in print, and recent developments are, of course, not mentioned. Those seeking a very gentle introduction to category theory would do better with the book by Lawvere and Schanuel, who cover more of category theory than Pierce. Mathematically mature computer science readers will find everything they need to know about the subject in Mac Lane's book.