Programming Languages: An Active Learning Approach

by Kent D. Lee

Overview

Programming Languages: An Active Learning Approach introduces students to three programming paradigms: object-oriented/imperative languages using C++ and Ruby, functional languages using Standard ML, and logic programming using Prolog. This interactive textbook is intended to be used in and outside of class. Each chapter follows a pattern of presenting a topic followed by a practice exercise or exercises that encourage students to try what they have just read. This textbook is best-suited for students with a 2-3 course introduction to imperative programming.

Key Features: (1) Accessible structure guides the student through various programming languages. (2) Seamlessly integrated practice exercises. (3) Classroom-tested. (4) Online support materials.

Advance praise:

“The Programming Languages book market is overflowing with books, but none like this. In many ways, it is precisely the book I have been searching for to use in my own programming languages course. One of the main challenges I perpetually face is how to teach students to program in functional and logical languages, but also how to teach them about compilers. This book melds the two approaches very well.” — David Musicant, Carleton College

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781441946362
Publisher:	Springer US
Publication date:	11/05/2010
Edition description:	2008
Pages:	282
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.36(d)

Table of Contents

Introduction.- Specifying Syntax.- Object-Oriented Programming with C++.- Object-Oriented Programming with Ruby.- Functional Programming in Standard ML.- Language Implementation in Standard ML.- Logic Programming.- Formal Semantics.- Appendix A: The C++ Scanner Class Implementation.- Appendix B: The Ruby Scanner Class Implementation.- Appendix C: Standard ML Basis Library.- Appendix D: SML Calculator Compiler.- Appendix E: The Factorial Program's Code.- Appendix F: Small Action Semantic Description.

Editorial Reviews

From the reviews:

"This is a very nice textbook. … ‘An active learning approach’ gives a true picture of the style of presentation of the material. Each chapter ends with a list of problems to be solved … and with references to further reading. There is a web page of the book … offering supplementary material for students and teachers. The book is beneficial for self-study, too. It starts with an interesting concise survey of computers and computation history, mentioning the influence of mathematics on programming … ." (Antonín Ríha, Zentrablatt MATH, Vol. 1153, 2009)

"This is an excellent undergraduate-level textbook for courses devoted to understanding programming language concepts … . exercises with solutions allow the student work either individually or in a collaborative group. … the text will permit instructors to use any class time for problem solution, discussion, and collaborative learning, including writing codes. … highly recommended to those teaching undergraduate programming language courses, and as a self directed study guide for professionals who wish to enhance their understanding of some of the newer languages … ." (E. A. Unger, ACM Computing Reviews, March, 2009)

From the Publisher