Everything you need to get a running start in computer science.
The basics, quick and fun. You need some computer science background to push computers to their full potential and tackle big problems. This book is a high-level overview of the most important computer science concepts that will get you started on the right track. All presented in a short, easy and enjoyable form. No burnouts, no exhaustion or frustration from academic jargon.
What’s in the book?
Computer logic and math
It helps you to transform problems into computable models
Algorithm complexity
See how we should compare different algorithms for efficiency
Strategies for computing
Understand the ways computers win over problems
Basic data types & structures
See how data can be kept and operated by computers
The coolest algorithms
The blockbuster algorithms and what makes them so powerful
A primer on databases
Working with data effectively is essential for almost any software
Computer architecture
Because the inner workings of our beloved computers are fascinating
Programming languages
The basic rules behind all languages computers can follow
Is this book for me?
If you had no contact with computer science, the book was designed for you. Many people with a computer science background love the book as a way to recap important concepts. Only a basic programming experience is required to follow the book: if you already wrote a few lines of code and recognize basic coding statements like for and while, you’re ready!
About the Author
Hi! My name is Wladston, and I have a master’s degree in computer science. I love academic work: my research was published in several prestigious conferences. But I have to admit: learning computer science from traditional textbooks was tough. How on Earth can anyone who’s not a full-time academic researcher learn from these books? No wonder most people don’t learn even the basics of computer science.
That’s why I took on the challenge to create a different computer science book, from scratch. Along the years, I collected and simplified computer science points every programmer must know—ditching the rigor and formality of academia.
Reviews from Experts
“Excellent book for non-academic who wants to understand computer science.”
— Scott Hanselman,
Author and Principal Program Manager at Microsoft
“It certainly offers good value to the novice coder who aims to explore the computer science field further. This book provides an overview of very important and carefully selected topics, and does so in an approachable and often entertaining way.”
— ALA Choice,
The premier source for reviews of academic books
“I teach introductory (and advanced) programming courses at the college level. This book is a great quick reference as well as a soft introduction to many computer science concepts. If you are just starting out or need a refresher, I highly recommend adding this to your bookshelf.”
— Jacqueline Wilson,
Assistant Professor, Computer Science, Cecil College
Get Your Copy
Computer Science Distilled Print + eBook
- Premium quality hardcover book
- Free worldwide shipping
- Instant access to eBook
- Available in PDF, Mobi and ePub formats
- Full 100-day money-back guarantee
- In Stock: ships right after you order it
Computer Science Distilled eBook
- Instant access to eBook
- Available in PDF, Mobi and ePub formats
- Full 100-day money-back guarantee
Questions?
What if I’m not happy with the book?
Up to 100 days after your order, just send me an email and you get a full refund, no questions asked. You can try the book risk-free, I’m confident that you’ll find value in it.
What is the purchase process?
Your payment is processed via Stripe or Paypal, and you get a download link via email instantly. If you buy the hardcover book, it’s shipped the next business day and you receive the package’s tracking code via email. Contact us if any problem arises.
Is the book up to date?
The book covers fundamental principles of computer science which will always be relevant. And your purchase comes with free access to all future versions of the book.
Which programming language is used?
None. Programming languages come and go, but computer science principles stay the same. For that, code samples are given in human-readable pseudo-code format.
Translations
Computer Science Distilled is also available in the following languages:
Korean
한 권으로 그리는 컴퓨터과학 로드맵
By 인사이트 (Insight Press)
ISBN: 978-8-9662-6219-9
Russian
Теоретический минимум по Computer Science
By Питер (Piter)
ISBN: 978-5-4461-0587-8
Chinese
计算机科学精粹
By 图灵社区 (iTuring)
ISBN: 978-7-115-49919-6
Japanese
みんなのコンピュータサイエンス
By 翔泳社の本 (Shoeisha)
ISBN: 978-4-798-15481-7