C++: An Introduction to Computing

I think it's well written and intelligently presented. It's a good introduction not only to C++ programming, but also to computer science as a whole.

- Larry Herman, UNITEC Institute of Technology

This book has a very large number of exercises, with a large variety of types. It is one the things that attracted me to the text. I am pleased with the quantity and quality of the exercises in this book.

- Cary Laxer, Computer Science, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Joel Adams and Larry Nyhoff address two key goals for first-year computing courses: to give students programming skills in a specific language, and to introduce them to the larger field of computer science. In this third edition of their best-selling book, these experienced educators offer a well-rounded approach to the methodologies and techniques of C++, while presenting students with a general overview of computing as a discipline, allowing them to put their learning into a broader context.

KEY FEATURES

• Provides carefully selected Part of the Picture presentations by computing experts as an overview of the discipline of computer science
• Offers 500 Quick Quiz questions with answers and 800 written exercises to be used for written assignments
• Includes more than 300 programming problems drawn from a wide range of application areas

NEW TO THIS EDITION

• A new chapter on data structures
• Learning objectives listed at the beginning of each chapter
• End-of-chapter summaries with key words and notes to help students identify the main concepts of each chapter
• Case studies featuring problems with complete solutions, including both design and program code
• Special optional OBJECTive Thinking sections to present classes and objects
• Prentice Hall Companion Website at http://www.prenhall.com/adams and authors' website at http://cs.calvin.edu/books/c++/intro/3e/

Object-oriented programming is quickly becoming a standard industry practice, and this book exposes the beginner programmer to object-oriented programming early and consistently. Using a “spiral” approach—Central topics are introduced early and are revisited in increasing detail throughout the book. This “use it, then build it” approach exposes users to concepts underlying basic constructs, reducing the learning curve when the time comes to actually build their own. Provides a gradual introduction to classes and object-oriented programming, especially suited for those with previous programming experience. A CD-ROM with every copy of the book includes all the source code for programs in the book.

The authors introduce key ideas behind computing with C++ and object-oriented programming in an intuitive and non-intimidating way. This book not only covers text-based programming, but also graphical/internet programming. A new final chapter on Data Structures has been added which provides an introduction to vectors, linked-lists, stacks, queues, and trees, and how they are used in the Standard Template Library (STL). Object-Centered Design, Introductory Example, Spiral Approach, and Standard Template Library (STL) sections have been retained. Good documentation techniques and habits are modeled in examples. “Part of the Picture” sections in each chapter—several contributed by field experts— introduce readers to discipline of Computer Science-e.g., ethics, history, AI, and architecture. Ex. Ch. 1, Ethics and Computing, and Ch. 6, Artificial Intelligence.

Appropriate for beginner to intermediate programmers using C++ (CS1 with C++).

Joel C. Adams received two B.S. degrees in Psychology and Computer Science in 1980 and 1984 from Geneva College. He continued his study of Computer Science at the University of Pittsburgh, where he received his M.S. in 1986 and his Ph.D. in 1988. Since 1989, Joel has taught at Calvin College, where he is a Professor of Computer Science. He has also been a visiting faculty member at North Carolina State University and a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Mauritus. He is co-author of the widely used book C++: An Introduction to Computing.

Larry R. Nyhoff earned his A.B. in Mathematics in 1960 from Calvin College and his M.S. in 1961 from the University of Michigan. Larry continued his study of Mathematics and received his Ph.D. in 1969 from Michigan State University. Hi is in his 37^th year as a Professor at Calvin College and has aided in the development of the school’s computer science curriculum since its inception. In addition to authoring and co-authoring over 27 textbooks used worldwide, Larry is a professional member of ACM and SIGCSE.