Computation
by Marvin Minsky · first published 1967
45% recommend55% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Classic introduction to the theory of computation, covering finite and infinite machines such as Turing machines. It serves as a strong first exposure to CS for those drawn to foundations and theory.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
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The Computer and the Brain, by John von Neumann Introduction to Algorithms, by Thomas H. Cormen The Art of Computer Programming by Donald Knuth [naturally!] Computation: Finite and Infinite Machines, by Marvin L. Minsky Godel, Escher, Bach by Douglas Hofstadter
on “Ask HN: Good all-round CS book” ↗Indeed. It is a necessarily true model of causality. Highly recommend Minsky's application of the theory on computation: Computation: Finite and Infinite Machines Interestingly, Minsky went out of his way to hide the production of that project without Weiner to avoid his influence on it--whom he disliked at least at a professional capacity. There's some part…
on “A Software Engineer’s Guide to Cybernetics” ↗I got my start with o Computation: Finite and Infinite Machines --- Minsky o The Art Of Computer Programming --- Knuth o Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs --- Abelson and Sussman In that order. Everything else is syntactic sugar. <g>
on “Books that changed my career as a software engineer” ↗Perhaps time has passed it by, but I still have a warm spot in my heart for Marvin Minsky's Computation: Finite and Infinite Machines, perhaps to be read before Hopcroft, Ullman, and Motwani.
on “Ask HN: Recommendations for books and tutorials on Theory of Computation” ↗There are 2 more that I would add, both books I read as an undergraduate nearly 60 years ago. First, Marvin Minsky's Computation: Finite And Infinite Machines (published 60 years ago). Not the latest word in automata theory, but as a first year student, I could read it and understand the issues he was addressing. Second, reading the First Edition of v.1 of…
on “Five Programming Books That Changed How I Think” ↗One of my earliest exposures to CS was his Computation: Finite and Infinite Machines. "Communication with Alien Intelligence" is another favorite of mine. The idea of enumerating all possible Turing Machines and looking for ones that do something meaningful is brilliant.
on “Marvin Minsky dies at 88” ↗…the parent commenter was taught proofs in that same rote manner. I've had professors that have done that, and it's like someone sucked all the fun and learning out of the subject. From the preface of Computation: Finite and Infinite Machines by Marvin L Minsky: > The reader is therefore enjoined not to turn too easily to the solutions; not unless a needed idea has not come for a day or so. Every such concession has a price—loss of the experience…
on “The Feynman Lectures on Physics: Algebra (1963)” ↗…apparently inspired OMeta). The theme here seems to be a favorite of Kay's: "late binding of meaning" used to build systems that scale just as well as biology. In his interview, Kay mentions Minsky's Computation: Finite and Infinite Machines, which discusses various models of computation. Now, Alan Kay has long looked to biology for hints on how to scale. (For example, in the interview I mentioned, he says that a computer is a "universal…
on “Tree Oriented Programming [pdf]” ↗…Calculus -- I don't know anything about lambda calculus, I just have a passing interest. Here is a partial list of the books I have considered purchasing next: How to Prove It: A Structured Approach Computation: Finite and Infinite Machines The Art of Computer Programming Practical Object-Oriented Design in Ruby The Linux Programming Interface I know some of my former professors have actually read reference manuals cover to cover. Would…
on “Recommended Reading List” ↗It is too bad that his book Computation: Finite and Infinite Machines is out of print.
on “Marvin Minsky dies at 88” ↗…Essentials of Programming Languages * Advanced compiler design and implementation (Muchnick) * Introduction to Algorithms (Cormen et al.) * Hacker's Delight * Programming Pearls * Coders at Work * Computation: finite and infinite machines * Purely functional data structures * The space and motion of communication Agents * Superdistribution * A small matter of programming * Basic Theory for Computer Scientists
on “Bret Victor's Bookshelf (2015)” ↗Computation: Finite And Infinite Machines was my first introduction to computing. It is the only book I still have.
on “Alan Kay's answer to ‘what are some forgotten books programmers should read?’” ↗Computation: Finite and Infinite Machines
on “Joe Armstrong Interviews Alan Kay [video]” ↗