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  • Think Like a Programmer: An Introduction to Creative Problem Solving

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V. Anton Spraul
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Think Like a Programmer: An Introduction to Creative Problem Solving

by V. Anton Spraul (Author) Format: Paperback
4.7 out of 5 stars (520)

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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 Think Like a Programmer. Each chapter tackles a single programming concept, like classes, pointers, and recursion, and open-ended exercises throughout challenge you to apply your knowledge.

You'll also learn how to:
–Split problems into discrete components to make them easier to solve
–Make the most of code reuse with functions, classes, and libraries
–Pick the perfect data structure for a particular job
–Master more advanced programming tools like recursion and dynamic memory
–Organize your thoughts and develop strategies to tackle particular types of problems

Although 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 Think Like a Programmer.
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  1. ISBN-10
    1593274246
  2. ISBN-13
    978-1593274245
  3. Edition
    Illustrated
  4. Publisher
    No Starch Press
  5. Publication date
    August 12, 2012
  6. Language
    English
  7. Dimensions
    7.01 x 0.59 x 9.25 inches
  8. Print length
    256 pages
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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

A Message From Author V. Anton Spraul

“Over the past 15 years, I've taught programming to countless students from every sort of background. A few of them were naturals, but most struggled, even the ones who would eventually turn into excellent programmers. However, they weren't struggling with the syntax of the programming language, but rather with applying it to solve the assigned problems.

Knowing how to read a program is very different from knowing how to write one. While typical books or training courses are often effective at explaining the individual elements of programming, they tend to offer little advice on combining these elements to solve particular problems. That's where Think Like a Programmer comes in.”

Review

"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."
—Adrian Woodhead, Slashdot 

"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."
—Ariane Coffin, Wired.com's GeekMom 

"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."
—Choice Magazine

"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."
—Lucas Westermann, Full Circle Magazine

"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."
—Phil Bull, author of the official Ubuntu documentation 

"I guarantee if you work through the entire book you will stretch your brain."
—David Bolton, About.com C/C++/C#

"I would definitely recommend this book as a companion to whatever text is used to introduce [new students] to programming and/or program logic."
—Joe Saur, The ACM's Software Engineering Notes Magazine

"[V. Anton Spraul's] advice is simple, straightforward, and practical. It's an easy—and valuable—read."
—James Powell, Enterprise Systems 

"I highly recommend Think Like a Programmer 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."
—Robert Perkins, Game Vortex

"This is definitely a book that I would use in teaching programming to others."
—Stephen Chapman, Ask Felgall

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ No Starch Press
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 12, 2012
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Illustrated
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1593274246
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1593274245
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.09 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.01 x 0.59 x 9.25 inches
  • Best Sellers Rank: #113,569 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars (520)

About the author

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V. Anton Spraul

V. Anton Spraul

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V. Anton Spraul has lived his entire life in Birmingham, Alabama, while somehow acquiring so little accent that locals assume he's from Ohio. He's an award-winning teacher with two degrees in computer science, and considers his nonfiction writing another form of teaching. His most popular book, Think Like a Programmer, combats a common malady for beginning programmers: the inability to write a complete, original program from scratch. "The book every programmer should read once" has fans around the globe and has been translated into five languages. Spraul maintains a blog on a range of topics and creates YouTube videos that extend the topics in his books. In his off-hours, he reads across a range of seriousness from economics texts to old-fashioned mysteries, records music, and plays games on computers he builds himself.

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