1st Edition

From Computing to Computational Thinking

By Paul S. Wang Copyright 2017
    288 Pages 130 B/W Illustrations
    by Chapman & Hall

    288 Pages
    by Chapman & Hall

    288 Pages 130 B/W Illustrations
    by Chapman & Hall

    Computational Thinking (CT) involves fundamental concepts and reasoning, distilled from computer science and other computational sciences, which become powerful general mental tools for solving problems, increasing efficiency, reducing complexity, designing procedures, or interacting with humans and machines. An easy-to-understand guidebook, From Computing to Computational Thinking gives you the tools for understanding and using CT. It does not assume experience or knowledge of programming or of a programming language, but explains concepts and methods for CT with clarity and depth.

    Successful applications in diverse disciplines have shown the power of CT in problem solving. The book uses puzzles, games, and everyday examples as starting points for discussion and for connecting abstract thinking patterns to real-life situations. It provides an interesting and thought-provoking way to gain general knowledge about modern computing and the concepts and thinking processes underlying modern digital technologies.

    Why Does the Chicken Cross the Road?
    The Computer
    Turing Machine
    A Brief History of Computers
    Software
    Programming
    Syntax and Semantics
    Flowcharts
    Algorithms
    Pseudo Code
    The Euclidean GCD Algorithm
    Goals and How to Get There
    Road Crossing

    Bits, Bytes, and Words
    Digital Computers
    Binary Numbers
    Positive and Negative Integers
    Modular Arithmetic
    Base Conversion
    Characters
    Editing Text
    Data Output

    True or False
    Digital Electronic Circuits
    Boolean Algebra
    Decision Making
    Logic Applied to Bits
    Logic and Iteration

    Who Is the Master?
    What Is an Operating System?
    Operating System Kernel
    Open Source Software
    Graphical User Interface
    Desktop Overview
    Are You Talking to Me?
    Command-Line Interface
    Files
    Processes
    Managing Tasks
    Up and Running

    Hello There!
    What Is a Network?
    The Internet
    Local and Wide Area Networks
    Internet Architecture
    Wireless Networking
    Networking Protocols
    IP Addresses
    Domain Names
    Client and Server
    Peer to Peer
    DNS Service
    DNS Servers and Resolvers
    Domain Registration
    Packet Switching
    Cloud Computing

    Home Sweet Homepage
    What Is a Web Server?
    Web Browsers
    A Brief History of the Web
    URLs
    HTML and HTML5
    Webpage Styling
    Web Hosting
    Dynamic Generation of Webpages
    Client-Side Scripting
    Hypertext Transfer Protocol
    Website Development
    Web Search Engines
    Web Services
    Standard Web Technologies

    Keeping It Safe
    Login
    HTTPS and SSL/TLS
    What is a Digital Certificate?
    Cryptography
    Public-Key Cryptography
    RSA Public-Key Algorithm
    Digital Signature
    Message Digests
    Secure Email
    Security Attacks and Defenses

    Solve That Problem
    Solving Puzzles
    Sorting
    Recursion
    Recursive Solution Formula
    Tower of Hanoi
    Eight Queens
    General Backtracking
    Tree Traversals
    Complexity
    Heuristics

    Data Everywhere
    Digital Images
    Raster Image Encoding
    Audio and Video
    Digital Video
    Format of Data and Files
    Data Sharing
    Document Markup
    Data Compression
    Data Structures
    What Is a Database?
    Protecting Personal Data

    Get That App
    Key Programs
    Knowing Your Apps
    Program Configuration and Customization
    Process Cooperation
    Machine Language Programs
    Assembly Language Programs
    High-Level Programs
    Compilers
    Software Development
    Object-Oriented Programming
    Object-Oriented Design

    Biography

    Paul S. Wang , PhD, is professor of computer science at Kent State University, Ohio. He received his PhD from MIT. He has published 10 computer science textbooks, all of which have been well-received in the US and worldwide. Several have been translated into other languages.