Introduction to Programming in Java

a textbook for a first course in computer science for the next generation of scientists and engineers

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Textbook.

Our textbook Introduction to Programming in Java: An Interdisciplinary Approach [Amazon · Addison-Wesley] is an interdisciplinary approach to the traditional CS1 curriculum. We teach all of the classic elements of programming, using an "objects-in-the-middle" approach that emphasizes data abstraction. The book is organized around four stages of learning to program:

Chapter 1: Elements of Programming introduces variables; assignment statements; built-in types of data; conditionals and loops; arrays; and input/output, including graphics and sound.
Chapter 2: Functions introduces modular programming. We stress the fundamental idea of dividing a program into components that can be independently debugged, maintained, and reused.
Chapter 3: Object Oriented Programming introduces data abstraction. We emphasize the concept of a data type and its implementation using Java's class mechanism.
Chapter 4: Algorithms and Data Structures introduces classical algorithms for sorting and searching, and fundamental data structures, including stacks, queues, and symbol tables.

A key feature of the book is the manner in which we motivate each programming concept that we address by examining its impact on specific applications, taken from fields ranging from materials science to genomics to astrophysics to internet commerce. This approach highlights the essential idea that mathematics, science, engineering, and computing are intertwined in the modern world.

To preview our material, you can download the preface and Chapter 1.

Booksite.

Reading a book and surfing the web are two different activities: This booksite is intended for your use while online (for example, while programming and while browsing the web); the textbook is for your use when initially learning new material and when reinforcing your understanding of that material (for example, when reviewing to prepare for an exam). The booksite consists of the following elements:

Excerpts. A condensed version of the text narrative for reference while online.
Exercises. Hundreds of exercises and some solutions.
Java code. Hundreds of easily downloadable Java programs.
References. Extensive links throughout to related material on the web.

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Here are some of the distinctive features of our textbook and a marketing flyer. If you wish to consider adoption, please fill out this form to request a copy of the textbook or ask for more information.