Algorithmics
by David Harel · first published 1987
92% recommend8% neutral
Why HN recommends it
A broad, non-textbook tour of computing ideas and the spirit of algorithmic thinking. Engaging for bedside reading, and a good companion for students and working programmers.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
This is a very good book I read in the past. I hope to read it again and wish a pdf to read it since my eyesight is too weak to read paper copy.
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Algorithmics by David Harel is not much mentioned anymore, but it's really good if you can find it. An easy and inviting read, it was written as a popular book not a textbook but nevertheless covers many topics with…
on “Ask HN: I'm looking for a good book on the fundamentals of CS” ↗The book Algorithmics: The Spirit of Computing doesn't read like a textbook to me, and it's quite interesting. http://www.amazon.com/Algorithmics-Spirit-Computing-David-Ha... The New Turing Omnibus http://www.amazon.com/The-New-Turing-Omnibus-Excursions/dp/0...…
on “Ask HN: Are there good books about computers that aren't textbooks?” ↗The New Turing Omnibus: https://www.amazon.com/New-Turing-Omnibus-Sixty-Six-Excursio... Algorithmics: The Spirit of Computing: https://www.amazon.com/Algorithmics-Spirit-Computing-David-H...
on “Ask HN: Anything Like Carl Sagan's Cosmos for Computer Science?” ↗My adviser had suggested me a fantastic book for bedside reading - "Algorithmics: The Spirit of Computing" by David Harel (https://www.amazon.com/Algorithmics-Spirit-Computing-David-H...).
on “Alan Kay's answer to ‘what are some forgotten books programmers should read?’” ↗Algorithmics by David Harel. Not a textbook, but a more popular Scientific American level treatment. Very readable and accessible but quite rigorous also - Harel's a noted computer scientist. I recall there was…
on “Ask HN: What book to read to get a footing in CS theory?” ↗Algorithmics: the Spirit of Computing by David Harel[1] is really fantastic, can't recommend it enough. [1] http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2378136.Algorithmics
on “Ask HN: What language-agnostic programming books should I read?” ↗…Kelly-Bootle was an interesting guy. He had a career as a folk singer and songwriter in addition to being one of the first computer programmers in the UK. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stan_Kelly-Bootle Algorithmics by David Harel begins each chapter with a pertinent verse from the Bible - many of the choices are clever and amusing. Also from the 1980s. IBM Jargon and General Computing Dictionary by Mike Colishaw…
on “Ask HN: What is the most amusing CS book you ever read?” ↗…more popular science books on "Quantum Physics" than on "Computing/Computer Science" which is sad to say the least. But i think there is hope for the future with books like a) Code by Charles Petzold b) Algorithmics by David Harel becoming more popular.
on “Ask HN: Which book can attract anyone towards your field of study?” ↗Algorithmics by David Harel. Discussion from a few months ago: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29501589
on “Ask HN: Top inspiring books on crucial CS ideas?” ↗The Algorithm Design Manual - Skiena Purely Functional Data Structures - Okasaki Algorithmics - Harel The Practice of Programming - Kernighan & Pike Concurrency Control and Recovery in Database Systems - Bernstein, Hadzilacos, Goodman. Recovery in Parallel Database Systems - Hvasshovd ACM…
on “ASK HN: Hacker Bibles” ↗Non fiction and IT related: Algorithmics The spirit of computing: this is a really great exploration of 'algorithmic' thinking, accessible to anyone: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2378136.Algorithmics Soul of a new machine: the book won…
on “Ask HN: What are the best books you've read that few others have?” ↗…Leibniz notation vs. Newton notation of derivatives...). The actual science in computer science? Weyuker, Sigal & Davis - Complexity, Computability and Languages; CLRS - Introduction to Algorithms. Harel - Algorithmics, the spirit of computing; And nand to tetris, in whatever format you find it.
on “Ask HN: What are the most fundamental books on computer science?” ↗Harels Algorithmics is a wonderful book in this same vein: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2378136.Algorithmics
on “CS Unplugged – Computer Science without a computer” ↗Excellent ! Your recommendations are right on the money and not just for noobs. This is the first i have seen Harel's book Algorithmics being mentioned on HN. More people should read this book; not sure why it is not that well known. Just to add to your comment; Students need to understand the distinction between Computing Science and…
on “Ask HN: I'm looking for a good book on the fundamentals of CS” ↗Seconded! Harel's Algorithmics is a must read. The coverage is really broad and comprehensive. For some reason, this book is not that well-known and hence deserves all the publicity/recommendation it can get.
on “Ask HN: Top inspiring books on crucial CS ideas?” ↗