Prelude to Programming: Concepts and Design

Prelude to Programming provides beginning students with a language-independent framework for learning core programming concepts and effective design techniques. This approach gives students the foundation they need to understand the logic behind program design and to establish effective programming skills.

The Fifth Edition offers students a lively and accessible presentation as they learn core programming concepts – including data types, control structures, data files and arrays, and program design techniques such as top-down modular design and proper program documentation and style. Problem-solving skills are developed when students learn how to use basic programming tools and algorithms, which include data validation, defensive programming, calculating sums and averages, and searching and sorting lists. A copy of the RAPTOR flow-charting software is included with the Fifth Edition.

Beginning programmers struggle constantly to balance logic and syntax. Written in a non-language specific format, Prelude to Programming, 4/e, addresses this problem, giving beginners a language-independent framework for learning core programming concepts and effective design techniques.

Gives readers the foundation they need to understand the logic behind program design and to establish effective programming skills. Focuses on many different languages, but includes “real” problems that mirror the pseudocode problems throughout, in four programming languages (Java, C++, VisualBasic, and Python). Is packaged with the RAPTOR flow-charting software – complimentary software that enables users to write programs without worrying about syntax – providing a hands-on component without the need to learn a whole programming language. Includes new “What and Why” sections that discuss what would happen if the program were run, or something were changed. Provides new “Making It Work” boxed features throughout, discussing how to implement concepts in an actual high-level language. Updates “Focus on Problem Solving” sections.

A useful basic reference for programmers.

Elizabeth Drake has worked full time as a professor in the ITE and Math Departments at Santa Fe CC since 1999. Before that, she was an adjunct professor and lecturer in Math, Computer Science, Physics, and Anthropology at SFC, UF, Three Rivers Community College in Connecticut, and the University of Connecticut. She has earned Master's degrees in Anthropology (A.B.D.) and Counseling, a B.S.E.E. in Electrical Engineering, a B.S. in Physics, B.A. in Sociology, and A.S. in Computer Information Technology.