How to Write Good Programs
A Guide for Students
- Author: Perdita Stevens
- Date Published: July 2020
- availability: In stock
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9781108789875
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Learning to program isn't just learning the details of a programming language: to become a good programmer you have to become expert at debugging, testing, writing clear code and generally unsticking yourself when you get stuck, while to do well in a programming course you have to learn to score highly in coursework and exams. Featuring tips, stories and explanations of key terms, this book teaches these skills explicitly. Examples in Python, Java and Haskell are included, helping you to gain transferable programming skills whichever language you are learning. Intended for students in Higher or Further Education studying early programming courses, it will help you succeed in, and get the most out of, your course, and support you in developing the software engineering habits that lead to good programs.
Read more- Students will establish the habits that will make them good programmers and help them enjoy programming, without unnecessary stress
- Is multi-lingual and contains examples in Java, Python and Haskell, helping students transfer what they learn in the context of one language to the context of their next language
- Structured with many examples, tips, stories and explanations of terminology, given in visually distinct panels to appeal to the busy reader
Reviews & endorsements
'Perdita Stevens' book How to Write Good Programs provides a wealth of excellent advice tailored to beginning students of programming. It is language-agnostic, well structured, and delivered in an accessible manner. It might as well have the words 'Don't Panic' in large, friendly letters on the cover.' Jeremy Gibbons, University of Oxford
See more reviews'This is the book I wish had existed during my time at university and at the beginning of my career! It explains fundamental concepts independently of a concrete programming language and contains many practical observations and tips to overcome situations where novice programmers tend to get stuck.' Jennifer Tenzer, Senior Developer
'This is a unique book that feels like a conversation over a coffee with an experienced expert in computer programing. It is full of practical tips, insights, and folklore that will be of great benefit to anyone who wants to learn how to program well.' Professor Tom Ward, University of Leeds
'Stevens's book differs from other coding books in that it assumes minimal knowledge in its readers. She discusses the concept of 'program', clarifying which problem you want to solve and choosing a development environment, all before she gets to her concrete coding tips. Especially the chapter on how to fix mistakes is a boon to the novice programmer. Few things are as frustrating as accidentally throwing away working code or - worse - not being able to get your program back to working order. And for those who have finally mastered programming fairly well, but have difficulty with their schoolwork, Stevens concludes with two chapters on how to score well on homework assignments and exams.' Karl van Heijster, De Leesclub van Alles
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×Product details
- Date Published: July 2020
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9781108789875
- length: 214 pages
- dimensions: 185 x 123 x 11 mm
- weight: 0.24kg
- contains: 3 b/w illus.
- availability: In stock
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. What Are Good Programs?
3. How to Get Started
4. How to Understand Your Language
5. How to Use the Best Tools
6. How to Make Sure You Don't Lose Your Program
7. How to Test Your Program
8. How to Make Your Program Clear
9. How to Debug Your Program
10. How to Improve Your Program
11. How to Get Help (without Cheating)
12. How to Score Well in Coursework
13. How to Score Well in a Programming Exam
14. How to Choose a Programming Language
15. How to Go Beyond This Book
References
Index.
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