subject: Ideal for Computer Programming Beginners by Todd Rutherford [print this page] Ideal for Computer Programming Beginners by Todd Rutherford
Programming from scratch is a must-have roadmap to getting started in the computer programming field. The first half of the book essentially holds your hand through the material, while the latter half gives you the freedom to program relevant and popular devices like the iPhone and iPad.
Gary Crandall's Programming from scratch is the ideal book for beginners in the field of computer programming. Crandall, an early pioneer in the area of microprocessor programming, is known for developing some of the earliest software for the original Apple Macintosh. Hence, he is a great source from which to learn the basics of the skill of computer programming.
For beginners, Gary Crandall begins by making a simple point: advancing technology, though it comes with myriad benefits, does little in the way of helping this generation's computer programmer to understand what truly "lies under the hood." He states, "Quite literally, the abundance of technological innovation can mask a programmer's shortcomings."
Crandall admits that Programming from scratch is not an all-encompassing canon of computer programming, however, it provides a thorough explanation of major concepts so that anyone interested in the field can grasp the material, and perhaps decide whether to pursue a career in the field. Ideally, this text would be a goldmine for the prospective high-school senior who is considering a major in computer technology.
Programming from scratch effectively combines the structural format of a textbook with the flow of a narrative. It is easy to read, and to make things even simpler, Crandall uses illustrations-like handy key icons-to emphasize key points.
The truth is that this book is helpful even to someone who knows absolutely nothing about programming. Starting from the evolution of software to the anatomy of the processor, Gary Crandall makes it crystal-clear how to understand and use the code language of the computer. In addition, he devotes several chapters to the development of both the Windows and Macintosh operating systems, and provides tutorials with supplements to his explanations, and hands-on exercises to gauge understanding. At the same time, Crandall provides an in-depth guide and introduction to C++, as well as programming for real-world applications like the iPhone.
Programming from scratch is a must-have roadmap to getting started in the computer programming field. The first half of the book essentially holds your hand through the material, while the latter half gives you the freedom to program relevant and popular devices like the iPhone and iPad. Also, Chapter 13 is dedicated entirely to providing answers to exercises from all the earlier chapters. Not only would this book be useful for beginners, but it would also be a great addition to any high school library or introductory computer programming course.
