{"product_id":"2940012980700","title":"How to Think Like a Computer Scientist","description":"From the author:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe goal of this book is to teach you to think like a computer scientist. I like\u003cbr\u003ethe way computer scientists think because they combine some of the best fea-\u003cbr\u003etures of Mathematics, Engineering, and Natural Science. Like mathematicians,\u003cbr\u003ecomputer scientists use formal languages to denote ideas (specifically computa-\u003cbr\u003etions). Like engineers, they design things, assembling components into systems\u003cbr\u003eand evaluating tradeoffs among alternatives. Like scientists, they observe the\u003cbr\u003ebehavior of complex systems, form hypotheses, and test predictions.\u003cbr\u003e    The single most important skill for a computer scientist is problem-solving.\u003cbr\u003eBy that I mean the ability to formulate problems, think creatively about solu-\u003cbr\u003etions, and express a solution clearly and accurately. As it turns out, the process\u003cbr\u003eof learning to program is an excellent opportunity to practice problem-solving\u003cbr\u003eskills. That’s why this chapter is called “The way of the program.”\u003cbr\u003e    Of course, the other goal of this book is to prepare you for the Computer\u003cbr\u003eScience AP Exam. We may not take the most direct approach to that goal,\u003cbr\u003ethough. For example, there are not many exercises in this book that are similar\u003cbr\u003eto the AP questions. On the other hand, if you understand the concepts in this\u003cbr\u003ebook, along with the details of programming in C++, you will have all the tools\u003cbr\u003eyou need to do well on the exam.","brand":"ReadCycle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47082095771888,"sku":"2940012980700","price":2.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/2940012980700_p0.jpg?v=1763575156","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/2940012980700","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}