a Singular Introduction to Commutative Algebra

In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is. Yogi Berra A SINGULAR Introduction to Commutative Algebra offers a rigorous intro­ duction to commutative algebra and, at the same time, provides algorithms and computational practice. In this book, we do not separate the theoretical and the computational part. Coincidentally, as new concepts are introduced, it is consequently shown, by means of concrete examples and general proce­ dures, how these concepts are handled by a computer. We believe that this combination of theory and practice will provide not only a fast way to enter a rather abstract field but also a better understanding of the theory, showing concurrently how the theory can be applied. We exemplify the computational part by using the computer algebra sys­ tem SINGULAR, a system for polynomial computations, which was developed in order to support mathematical research in commutative algebra, algebraic geometry and singularity theory. As the restriction to a specific system is necessary for such an exposition, the book should be useful also for users of other systems (such as Macaulay2 and CoCoA) with similar goals. Indeed, once the algorithms and the method of their application in one system is known, it is usually not difficult to transfer them to another system.

From the reviews of the first edition:
"It is certainly no exaggeration to say that … A Singular Introduction to Commutative Algebra aims to lead a further stage in the computational revolution in commutative algebra … . Among the great strengths and most distinctive features … is a new, completely unified treatment of the global and local theories. … making it one of the most flexible and most efficient systems of its type….another strength of Greuel and Pfister's book is its breadth of coverage of theoretical topics in the portions of commutative algebra closest to algebraic geometry, with algorithmic treatments of almost every topic….Greuel and Pfister have written a distinctive and highly useful book that should be in the library of every commutative algebraist and algebraic geometer, expert and novice alike."

Algebraic Geometry is the study of systems of polynomial equations in one or more variables, asking such questions as: Does the system have finitely many solutions, and if so how can one find them? And if there are infinitely many solutions, how can they be described and manipulated?