Principles of Computer Science

Computer Science is defined in different ways by different authors. Wikipedia defines computer science as the collection of a variety of disciplines related to computing, both theoretical and practical: theoretical foundations of information and computation, language theory, algorithm analysis and development, implementation of computing systems, computer graphics, databases, data communications, etc.

The text uses a tutorial style that focuses on learning by interaction and experimentation. The text also thoroughly covers programming in Pure LISP before programming in Imperative LISP so that students get used to recursive programming. It gives an ordered presentation of Commom LISP - for example, it introduces packages simultaneously with symbols for easier assimilation and provides extensive example interactions with LISP to illustrate material being taught. The book devotes attention to style and debugging to familiarize students with realistic situations and helps novices recognize error messages and what they mean through intentional keyboard errors.