{"product_id":"think-like-a-programmer-isbn-9781593274245","title":"Think Like a Programmer","description":"The real challenge of programming isn't learning a language's syntax—it's learning to creatively solve problems so you can build something great. In this one-of-a-kind text, author V. Anton Spraul breaks down the ways that programmers solve problems and teaches you what other introductory books often ignore: how to \u003ci\u003eThink Like a Programmer\u003c\/i\u003e. Each chapter tackles a single programming concept, like classes, pointers, and recursion, and open-ended exercises throughout challenge you to apply your knowledge.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYou'll also learn how to:\u003cbr\u003e–Split problems into discrete components to make them easier to solve\u003cbr\u003e–Make the most of code reuse with functions, classes, and libraries\u003cbr\u003e–Pick the perfect data structure for a particular job\u003cbr\u003e–Master more advanced programming tools like recursion and dynamic memory\u003cbr\u003e–Organize your thoughts and develop strategies to tackle particular types of problems\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlthough the book's examples are written in C++, the creative problem-solving concepts they illustrate go beyond any particular language; in fact, they often reach outside the realm of computer science. As the most skillful programmers know, writing great code is a creative art—and the first step in creating your masterpiece is learning to \u003ci\u003eThink Like a Programmer\u003c\/i\u003e.Introduction\u003cbr\u003eChapter 1: Strategies for Problem Solving\u003cbr\u003eChapter 2: Pure Puzzles\u003cbr\u003eChapter 3: Solving Problems with Arrays\u003cbr\u003eChapter 4: Solving Problems with Pointers and Dynamic Memory\u003cbr\u003eChapter 5: Solving Problems with Classes\u003cbr\u003eChapter 6: Solving Problems with Recursion\u003cbr\u003eChapter 7: Solving Problems with Code Reuse\u003cbr\u003eChapter 8: Thinking Like a Programmer\u003cbr\u003eIndex\"The author is obviously very knowledgeable and experienced with teaching hard concepts to new learners and this shows in his no-nonsense, down-to-earth but enjoyable writing style.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Adrian Woodhead, Slashdot \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Spraul has taught intro computer science classes for over fifteen years and it shows. He does a great job showing the theory using concrete examples, and rightfully puts a great deal of emphasis on programming exercises to strengthen the concepts.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Ariane Coffin, Wired.com's GeekMom \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The combination of conceptual overview and common problem-solving techniques that are applicable to many applications make this a particularly feasible way to supplement or review programming skills while learning a systematic approach to problem solving.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Choice Magazine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This is one of the most helpful books I've read, due to the fact that it guides you towards designing a system for yourself, as opposed to encouraging a mindset where there can be only one correct method.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Lucas Westermann, Full Circle Magazine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The book is well-written, with tons of excellent advice and solid, well-thought-out examples. If you’re willing to devote some time to studying the material, you’ll soon find yourself equipped with an impressive array of problem-solving strategies and, maybe, a new outlook on programming.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Phil Bull, author of the official Ubuntu documentation \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"I guarantee if you work through the entire book you will stretch your brain.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—David Bolton, About.com C\/C++\/C#\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"I would definitely recommend this book as a companion to whatever text is used to introduce [new students] to programming and\/or program logic.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Joe Saur, The ACM's Software Engineering Notes Magazine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"[V. Anton Spraul's] advice is simple, straightforward, and practical. It's an easy—and valuable—read.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—James Powell, Enterprise Systems \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"I highly recommend \u003ci\u003eThink Like a Programmer\u003c\/i\u003e to anyone who wants to hone their creative problem-solving skills or to anyone who has learned to program, but doesn't feel that they fully understand the concepts.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Robert Perkins, Game Vortex\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This is definitely a book that I would use in teaching programming to others.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Stephen Chapman, Ask Felgall\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eV. Anton Spraul\u003c\/b\u003e has taught introductory programming and computer science for more than 15 years. He is the author of \u003ci\u003eComputer Science Made Simple\u003c\/i\u003e (Broadway) and \u003ci\u003eHow Software Works\u003c\/i\u003e (No Starch Press). He offers advice for beginning programmers in his series \"Learning to Program: A Guide\" on his website (http:\/\/www.vantonspraul.com).","brand":"No Starch Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46302510285029,"sku":"NP9781593274245","price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9781593274245.jpg?v=1767742449","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/think-like-a-programmer-isbn-9781593274245","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}