1
The Way of the Program
The goal of this book is to teach you to think like a computer scientist. This way
of thinking combines some of the best features of mathematics, engineering, and
natural science. Like mathematicians, computer scientists use formal languages to
denote ideas (specifically computations). Like engineers, they design things, assem-
bling components into systems and evaluating tradeoffs among alternatives. Like
scientists, they observe the behavior of complex systems, form hypotheses, and test
predictions.
The single most important skill for a computer scientist is
problem solving. Problem
solving means the ability to formulate problems, think creatively about solutions,
and express a solution clearly and accurately. As it turns out, the process of learning
to program is an excellent opportunity to practice problem-solving skills. That’s why
this chapter is called “The way of the program.”
On one level, you will be learning to program, a useful skill by itself. On another
level, you will use programming as a means to an end. As we go along, that end will
become clearer.
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