Computational Thinking: First Algorithms, Then Code

Description

This book offers a gentle motivation and introduction to computational thinking, in particular to algorithms and how they can be coded to solve significant, topical problems from domains such as finance, cryptography, Web search, and data compression. The book is suitable for undergraduate students in computer science, engineering, and applied mathematics, university students in other fields, high-school students with an interest in STEM subjects, and professionals who want an insight into algorithmic solutions and the related mindset. While the authors assume only basic mathematical knowledge, they uphold the scientific rigor that is indispensable for transforming general ideas into executable algorithms. A supporting website contains examples and Python code for implementing the algorithms in the book. Front Matter ....Pages i-viii A Brief Historical Outline (Paolo Ferragina, Fabrizio Luccio)....Pages 1-4 A Problem with Which to Begin (Paolo Ferragina, Fabrizio Luccio)....Pages 5-10 Algorithms and Coding (Paolo Ferragina, Fabrizio Luccio)....Pages 11-23 The Tournament (Paolo Ferragina, Fabrizio Luccio)....Pages 25-33 A Financial Problem (Paolo Ferragina, Fabrizio Luccio)....Pages 35-47 Secret Messages (Paolo Ferragina, Fabrizio Luccio)....Pages 49-66 Putting Things in Order (Paolo Ferragina, Fabrizio Luccio)....Pages 67-93 “Easy” and “Difficult” Problems (Paolo Ferragina, Fabrizio Luccio)....Pages 95-110 Search Engines (Paolo Ferragina, Fabrizio Luccio)....Pages 111-127 Data Compression (Paolo Ferragina, Fabrizio Luccio)....Pages 129-148 Recursion (Paolo Ferragina, Fabrizio Luccio)....Pages 149-172 Back Matter ....Pages 173-174