An Introduction to the Theory of Computation

An Introduction to the Theory of Computation

This book explores terminologies and questions concerning programs, computers, problems, and computation. The exploration reduces in many cases to a study of mathematical theories, such as those of automata and formal languages.

Publication date: 31 Dec 1989

ISBN-10: 0716781824

ISBN-13: n/a

Paperback: 600 pages

Views: 57,089

Type: N/A

Publisher: Computer Science Press

License: n/a

Post time: 12 Dec 2006 08:31:16

An Introduction to the Theory of Computation

An Introduction to the Theory of Computation This book explores terminologies and questions concerning programs, computers, problems, and computation. The exploration reduces in many cases to a study of mathematical theories, such as those of automata and formal languages.
Tag(s): Theory of Computation
Publication date: 31 Dec 1989
ISBN-10: 0716781824
ISBN-13: n/a
Paperback: 600 pages
Views: 57,089
Document Type: N/A
Publisher: Computer Science Press
License: n/a
Post time: 12 Dec 2006 08:31:16
Book Excerpts:

Computations are designed to solve problems. Programs are descriptions of computations written for execution on computers. The field of computer science is concerned with the development of methodologies for designing programs, and with the development of computers for executing programs. It is therefore of central importance for those involved in the field that the characteristics of programs, computers, problems, and computation be fully understood. Moreover, to clearly and accurately communicate intuitive thoughts about these subjects, a precise and well-defined terminology is required.

This book explores some of the more important terminologies and questions concerning programs, computers, problems, and computation. The exploration reduces in many cases to a study of mathematical theories, such as those of automata and formal languages; theories that are interesting also in their own right. These theories provide abstract models that are easier to explore, because their formalisms avoid irrelevant details.

Organized into seven chapters, the material in this book gradually increases in complexity. In many cases, new topics are treated as refinements of old ones, and their study is motivated through their association to programs.

- Chapter 1 is concerned with the definition of some basic concepts.
- Chapter 2 studies finite-memory programs.
- Chapter 3 considers the introduction of recursion to finite-memory programs.
- Chapter 4 deals with the general class of programs.
- Chapter 5 considers the role of time and space in computations.
- Chapter 6 introduces instructions that allow random choices in programs.
- Chapter 7 is devoted to parallelism.

As a natural outcome, the text also treats the topics of probabilistic and parallel computations. These important topics have matured quite recently, and so far have not been treated in other texts.

The level of the material is intended to provide the reader with introductory tools for understanding and using formal specifications in computer science. As a result, in many cases ideas are stressed more than detailed argumentation, with the objective of developing the reader's intuition toward the subject as much as possible.

Intended Audience:

This book is intended for undergraduate students at advanced stages of their studies, and for graduate students. The reader is assumed to have some experience as a programmer, as well as in handling mathematical concepts. Otherwise no specific prerequisite is necessary.
 




About The Author(s)


Dr. Gurari was born in Israel in March 1947. He attended Technion - Israel Institute of Technology where, in 1971, he received Bachelors of Science in Physics. He continued his studies there, but changed focus to Computer Science receiving a Masters degree in 1974. The University of Minnesota granted him a Ph.D. in 1978 (Computer Science) after which he taught at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee and the State University of New York at Buffalo. He joined the Ohio State University Department of Computer Science and Engineering in 1982.
 

Eitan Gurari

Dr. Gurari was born in Israel in March 1947. He attended Technion - Israel Institute of Technology where, in 1971, he received Bachelors of Science in Physics. He continued his studies there, but changed focus to Computer Science receiving a Masters degree in 1974. The University of Minnesota granted him a Ph.D. in 1978 (Computer Science) after which he taught at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee and the State University of New York at Buffalo. He joined the Ohio State University Department of Computer Science and Engineering in 1982.
 


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