Introduction to the Theory of Computation Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Introduction to the Theory of Computation? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Introduction to the Theory of Computation. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Introduction to the Theory of Computation ReviewWhen I picked up this book I thought, "You have to be kidding me." This book is very thin, and then a fair chunk of it is mathematics review for some of the formal arguments the book is going to be making later on. One wouldn't think there was much in this book.
One would be wrong. This book goes into rather impressive depth on some rather abstract concepts of computer science without dabbling for too long in the details. It does the best job I've ever seen of explaining the Turing machine and how it relates to computability and decidablity.
The exercises are both easy and insanely difficult - so you can basically chose your level and then go through the book, some of the problems are very hard, some are trivially easy, a great mix makes for great homework assignments.
The "Proof Idea:" sections before every proof give you the underlying concepts in plain english that are about to be stated formally so you have a clue what's happening when the formal definitions start flying. These are priceless and should be included in every other book that uses formal proof techniques.
The book reads fairly well on its own, or makes for a great class text book, which I used it for. As my professor said, "This is a good book because it doesn't have any extra words." but you don't seem to mind as you read it. Probably the best work on the science of computation in the world, certainly the best I've ever seen.Introduction to the Theory of Computation OverviewMichael Sipser's emphasis on unifying computer science theory - rather than offering a collection of low-level details - sets the book apart, as do his intuitive explanations. Throughout the book, Sipser builds students' knowledge of conceptual tools used in computer science, the aesthetic sense they need to create elegant systems, and the ability to think through problems on their own.

Want to learn more information about Introduction to the Theory of Computation?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Code Complete (Microsoft Programming Series) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Code Complete (Microsoft Programming Series)? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Code Complete (Microsoft Programming Series). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Code Complete (Microsoft Programming Series) ReviewAbout previous comments: Verbose? Don't think so, every page has some piece of valuable information
For beginners only? Don't think so, but if you are a beginner this is a good place to start. After several years of programming you'll mostly stop thinking about style and follow your habits... so you better have some good habits!
Insistence on using hungarian naming convention? Not at all, did you read this book? The author did talk about this convention but he also gives examples why this is can be bad (and also why it can be good).
This book covers a wide range of material, from variable declaration to software estimation and probably everything concerning software construction.
Also as this book talks a lot about style, the best thing is it is backed up with hard facts not just because of personal preference.
The examples are written in several languages (such as C, Pascal and Basic). One chapter is devoted to object orientation. Although you're heavily into OOP then in no way should you skip over this book as the advices in this book can be applied to every methodology of programming. So this book is in no way out dated.
Each chapter has a 'recommended reading' section so you know where to go for more. This is extremely handy.
I've read this book several times and I just love it. I own every book written by the author. Check them out also - they are very good too.
Summary: This book teaches you how you can write good and self-describing code. I wished every program I've had to read had been written by programmers who read this book and applied that knowledge.
Thanks, ABOCode Complete (Microsoft Programming Series) OverviewHere is a thorough expert look at the intricate process of commercial software development. The text is rich in example code, contains powerful insights on managing technical yet creative people, and examines each milestone in software development in considerable detail. Ideal for professional, self-taught, and student programmers.

Want to learn more information about Code Complete (Microsoft Programming Series)?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Java Network Programming (Java (O'Reilly)) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Java Network Programming (Java (O'Reilly))? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Java Network Programming (Java (O'Reilly)). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Java Network Programming (Java (O'Reilly)) ReviewAvoid. This book appears to have quite a reputation, but despite being in its 2nd edition, it is riddled with errors. The book exhibits some fundamental misapprehensions about TCP/IP; as a result it perpetrates some astonishing misinformation, much of it quite basic. Partial list: the nature of a socket close operation; what IOException when closing a socket means; what happens when the listen backlog is exceeded; specification of the ServerSocket constructors; Nagle's algorithm (Socket.setTcpNoDelay); linger; keepalive; etc etc.
Of the examples which do work, the PortScanner and LocalPortScanner are provided in versions which perpetrate atrocities on the local machine and network by not closing sockets. Multi-homing very cursorily treated, not even indexed. Firewalls apparently treated in one page. Role of TTL in multicast apparently ignored.
The text is verbose and repetitive, and a number of the examples are irrelevant. Fully 50% of the Sockets for Servers chapter consists of a rather irrelevant excursion into HTTP and HTML; the examples have bugs, not that they have much point. Also, what pray have HTML rendering and parsing in Swing got to do with networking? 30 irrelevant pages on this; nice to have, but why here?
Author seems to think HotSpot is a JIT. Typos in the index, not encouraging. Many impending JDK 1.4 enhancements will shortly obsolete this book. Avoid it. For TCP/IP and UDP fundamentals, buy W.R. Stevens Unix Network Programming. -Java Network Programming (Java (O'Reilly)) Overview
Java Network Programming, 2nd Edition, is a complete introductionto developing network programs (both applets and applications) using Java,covering everything from Networking fundamentals to remote methodinvocation (RMI).It includes chapters on TCP and UDP sockets, multicastingprotocol and content handlers, and servlets.This second edition alsoincludes coverage of Java 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3.New chapters cover multithreadednetwork programming, I/O, HTML parsing and display, the Java Mail API,the Java Secure Sockets Extension, and more.


Want to learn more information about Java Network Programming (Java (O'Reilly))?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

The American Heritage Abbreviations Dictionary, Third Edition: A Compilation of Today's Acronyms and Abbreviations Including Cyberspeak (American Heritage Books) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy The American Heritage Abbreviations Dictionary, Third Edition: A Compilation of Today's Acronyms and Abbreviations Including Cyberspeak (American Heritage Books)? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on The American Heritage Abbreviations Dictionary, Third Edition: A Compilation of Today's Acronyms and Abbreviations Including Cyberspeak (American Heritage Books). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

The American Heritage Abbreviations Dictionary, Third Edition: A Compilation of Today's Acronyms and Abbreviations Including Cyberspeak (American Heritage Books) ReviewI was expecting a bigger book, about the size of my Roget's Thesaurus. This dictionary of abbreviations is only 5.75" tall and 4.25" wide, small enough to fit into a front pocket of my jeans. It has 20,000 entries and 294 pages.
Pros: Easily stored, easily portable, eye-pleasing green cover (matches amazon's image), inexpensive, has been somewhat useful
Cons: This is not a definitive dictionary of abbreviations. It has not included a number of abbreviations that I have encountered. On the other hand, it has had some entries that I did not expect it to have.
I thought about buying a dictionary of abbreviations while reading Jeffrey Deaver (the author of Bone Collector, which was made into a Denzel Washingtong movie). For an author of fiction, he uses an unusual number of abbreviations, though I suppose you don't need a dictionary for most of them. Either he explains them, or you get the gist of their meaning from the context. Some of his abbreviations are included in this dictionary, some are not. But some of Deaver's abbreviations are rather private (or maybe the word "esoteric" is appropriate), and I really don't expect any dictionary of abbreviations to include them.
I suspect that no single volume will have all the abbreviations that everyone is looking for, but I think there are bigger dictionaries of abbreviations that have many more entries than this small one has. But then you wouldn't want to try to carry those around in your pocket or your purse.The American Heritage Abbreviations Dictionary, Third Edition: A Compilation of Today's Acronyms and Abbreviations Including Cyberspeak (American Heritage Books) OverviewNewly updated, The American Heritage® Abbreviations Dictionary, Third Edition, presents some 20,000 terms that appear in text messages, chatrooms, Web sites, sports statistics, travel brochures, airports, personal ads, and countless other places in a world where shorthand is the true universal language.

Want to learn more information about The American Heritage Abbreviations Dictionary, Third Edition: A Compilation of Today's Acronyms and Abbreviations Including Cyberspeak (American Heritage Books)?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Object-Oriented Software Construction (Book/CD-ROM) (2nd Edition) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Object-Oriented Software Construction (Book/CD-ROM) (2nd Edition)? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Object-Oriented Software Construction (Book/CD-ROM) (2nd Edition). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Object-Oriented Software Construction (Book/CD-ROM) (2nd Edition) ReviewA couple of aspects of this book might lead you *not* to read it. That would be too bad, since it contains valuable informaton. Specifically:
(1) it spends a lot of time discussing particulars of the Eiffel language or the considerations leading Meyer to design Eiffel as he did. Observation: Even if you skip these parts, you could find useful information in the rest of the book, and many people may enjoy these insights into Meyer's approach.
(2) the attitude is often rather dogmatic and judgmental. As one authority commented on the first edition, it "tends to confuse Eiffel with universal principles." Observation: though unfortunate, this does not detract from the value of the content.
Further comments:
(3) If you don't know any object oriented language, the book is a natural choice, since it is very clear and does not require prior knowledge of any particular language.
(4) If you know another OO language, especially C++, you may get more for your time and money by choosing another book, at least to start. But you still could find valuable material here. For alternatives, you might check out the comments on Gamma's Design Patterns and Martin's Designing Object-Oriented C++ Applications: Using the Booch Method, or standard books by Booch, etc.Object-Oriented Software Construction (Book/CD-ROM) (2nd Edition) OverviewThis is, quite simply, the definitive reference on the most important development in software technology for the last 20 years: object-orientation.A whole generation was introduced to object technology through the first edition of this book. This long-awaited new edition retains the qualities of clarity, practicality and scholarship that made the first an instant best-seller, but has been thoroughly revised and expanded. Among the new topics covered in depth are: Concurrency, distribution, client/server and the Internet; object-oriented databases; design by contract; fundamental design patterns; finding classes; the use and misuse of inheritance; abstract data types; and typing issues. The book also includes completely updated discussions of reusability, modularity, software quality, object-oriented languages, memory management, and many other essential topics.All software developers and computer science students, worldwide.

Want to learn more information about Object-Oriented Software Construction (Book/CD-ROM) (2nd Edition)?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Java in a Nutshell : A Desktop Quick Reference (Java Series) (3rd Edition) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Java in a Nutshell : A Desktop Quick Reference (Java Series) (3rd Edition)? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Java in a Nutshell : A Desktop Quick Reference (Java Series) (3rd Edition). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Java in a Nutshell : A Desktop Quick Reference (Java Series) (3rd Edition) ReviewThis book is my new favorite Java book. This book is probably my new favorite technical book. It's simply an excellent example of what a technical reference book should be.
The first quarter of the book is a very good introduction to Java, the syntax, as well as object oriented programming (OOP). The syntax and OOP portions of the book are the best I've seen in any book. If you are new to Java, reading through these sections carefully will teach you almost everything you'll need to know about the Java language. The third edition of the book doesn't assume a C/C++ background, so even those with limited or no programming experience will find this section very helpful.
Next you'll find excellent coverage of the Java platform. The bulk of the book is a reference of the different Java classes in JDK 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, and even 1.3Beta. The coverage is excellent. I would have liked to see examples, but I suppose that really is asking too much from one book.
I have a large library of Java books, but this one is #1 for me. Shelf time for this book is going to be very low. The book literally hasn't seen a shelf since it arrived from Amazon.
There are several Java books I find to be far superior to others. For anyone new to the Java language, I believe the following are the very best books to have nearby (ranked in order): Java in a Nutshell, 3rd... Java Examples in a Nutshell...Java Foundation Classes in a Nutshell... Java Enterprise in a Nutshell...The Java Class Libraries, 2nd, Vol 1. by Patrick Chan
Obviously, I'm a fan of David Flanagan's Java books (he wrote the top four). Pick one up to see why. They are all excellent, but my favorite is this one (JavaNut 3rd edition). The set of four Flanagan books easily comprise the best resource on Java available.Java in a Nutshell : A Desktop Quick Reference (Java Series) (3rd Edition) Overview

Want to learn more information about Java in a Nutshell : A Desktop Quick Reference (Java Series) (3rd Edition)?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Data Structures and Algorithms in C++, Second Edition Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Data Structures and Algorithms in C++, Second Edition? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Data Structures and Algorithms in C++, Second Edition. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Data Structures and Algorithms in C++, Second Edition ReviewOn my bookshelf right now I have 13 books on DS&A using C++. Every time I am in need of a new type of data structure or algorithm, and quickly scan through each of them to determine which seem to have the most relevant information, and also which have useable source-code. Drozdek's book is almost always the book I end up selecting to learn a new topic.
Without a doubt, Drozdek's DS&A book is the most complete and well-written of its kind. It includes a chapter of graphs, which many books surprisingly omit. Also, as of the 3rd edition, it includes a chapter on string matching. As far as I know, this is the *only* C++ DS&A book to dive into this subject.
Surprisingly (because of such a broad-scoped book), the material presented in the string matching chapter is modern and incredibly useful. I found the coverage of suffix tries to be excellent. According to Professor Drozdek (via email correspondence), this chapter is actually a compressed version of what was to be an entire C++ book on string matching. Apparently no publisher would touch such a 'specialized' book. How short-sighted of them!
I work in a research-intensive company focused on developing cutting-edge algorithms to solve difficult modern problems. We do the majority of our coding in C++, which is what originally attracted me to Drozdek's book. Since then, I have referred several colleagues to this book, all of which now use it regularly and are loving it.
My only complaint about this book is that it doesn't discuss primality or random-number generation at all. So many algorithms rely heavily on one or both of these, so I find it strange that this book (and most others) completely ignore them.
As for the reviewer who negatively commented "worst written educational book I have ever read", this person obviously bought Drozdek's book expecting to learn C++ and not DS&A. If you're looking to learn C++, I recommend "C++ Primer Plus (5th Edition)" by Stephen Prata (ISBN: 0672326973). Despite its awkward title and oft-maligned publisher, it really is an excellent book for learning C++ (and also as a reference for an experienced programmer).
Depending on your needs, you might look into supplementing Drozdek's book with Robert Sedgewick's books 'Algorithms in C++'. His books do not go as deep as Drozdek does, but he provides an enormous number of fully implemented algorithms that don't exist in any other C++ DS&A book. Be sure to get the 3rd edition; it is much improved over the 2nd.
Here's a complete TOC of Drozdek's book (3rd edition):
Table of Contents
1. Object-Oriented Programming Using C++
2. Complexity Analysis
3. Linked Lists
4. Stacks and Queues
5. Recursion
6. Binary Trees
7. Multiway Trees
8. Graphs
9. Sorting
10. Hashing
11. Data Compression
12. Memory Management
13. String Matching
Appendices
A: Computing BIG-O
B: Algorithms in the Standard Template Library
C: NP-Completeness
Data Structures and Algorithms in C++, Second Edition OverviewBuilding on widespread use of the C++ programming language in industry and education, this book provides a broad-based and case-driven study of data structures -- and the algorithms associated with them -- using C++ as the language of implementation.

Want to learn more information about Data Structures and Algorithms in C++, Second Edition?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Schaum's Outline of Mathematica Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Schaum's Outline of Mathematica? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Schaum's Outline of Mathematica. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Schaum's Outline of Mathematica ReviewThis is an excellent introduction to Mathematica. I have suggested that they include this with each copy of the software and offer it (free?) to prospective buyers. A great review of the basic aspects of a very extensive software application.Schaum's Outline of Mathematica Overview
Confusing Textbooks?

Missed Lectures?

Tough Test Questions?

Fortunately for you, there's Schaum's Outlines. More than 40 million students have trusted Schaum's to help them succeed in the classroom and on exams. Schaum's is the key to faster learning and higher grades in every subject. Each Outline presents all the essential course information in an easy-to-follow, topic-by-topic format. You also get hundreds of examples, solved problems, and practice exercises to test your skills.

This Schaum's Outline gives you

Practice problems with full explanations that reinforce knowledge
Coverage of the most up-to-date developments in your course field
In-depth review of practices and applications

Fully compatible with your classroom text, Schaum's highlights all the important facts you need to know. Use Schaum's to shorten your study time-and get your best test scores!

Schaum's Outlines-Problem Solved.


Want to learn more information about Schaum's Outline of Mathematica?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Java Swing, Second Edition Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Java Swing, Second Edition? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Java Swing, Second Edition. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Java Swing, Second Edition Review
Pavel Vorobiev and I are currently finishing up an 'advanced' Swing book consisting mainly of examples ("Swing", Manning publications). We have referenced the Swing source code nonstop. Apart from this, we feel that Java Swing is the best Swing reference money can buy. This book is not an API docs dump. It is a high quality reference book for GUI developers who are prepared to do their job professionaly, not blindly. If you are looking for a hand-holding tutorial this book is not for you (for this I would suggest Up to Speed With Swing).
Java Swing is very well organized and full of original explanation. I encourage potential readers to disregard other comments claiming that this book is API repetitive or doesn't explain enough. No book can cover every possible situation that can arise in the creation of a GUI, and no book will fully explain all of the inner workings of each Swing component and UI delegate. Swing is a very complex and extensive library with some very interesting and powerful mechanisms working behind the scenes. Without a doubt, Java Swing is the most informative and rich reference available. I recommend it highly.
Matthew Robinson
"Swing", Manning publications
Swing "Tips and Tricks", The Swing ConnectionJava Swing, Second Edition Overview
Swing is a fully-featured user interface development kit for Java applications.Building on the foundations of the Abstract Window Toolkit (AWT), Swing enables cross-platform applications to use any of several pluggable look-and-feels.Swing developers can take advantageof its rich, flexible features and modular components, building elegant user interfaces with very little code.

This second edition of Java Swing thoroughly covers all the features available in Java 2 SDK 1.3 and 1.4. More than simply a reference, this new edition takes a practical approach. It is a book by developers for developers, with hundreds of useful examples, from beginning level to advanced, covering every component available in Swing.

All these features mean that there's a lot to learn. Even setting aside its platform flexibility, Swing compares favorably with any widely available user interface toolkit--it has great depth.Swing makes it easy to do simple things but is powerful enough to create complex, intricate interfaces.

Java Swing, 2nd edition includes :

A new chapter on Drag and Drop
Accessibility features for creating a user interface meeting the needs of all users
Coverage of the improved key binding infrastructure introduced in SDK1.3
A new chapter on JFormattedTextField and input validation
Mac OS X coverage and examples
Coverage of the improved focus system introduced in SDK 1.4
Pluggable Look-and-Feel coverage
Coverage of the new layout manager, SpringLayout, from SDK 1.4
Properties tables that summarize important features of each component
Coverage of the 1.4 Spinner component
Details about using HTML in components
A new appendix listing bound actions for each component
A supporting web site with utilities, examples, and supplemental materials
Whether you're a seasoned Java developer or just trying to find out what Java can do, you'll find Java Swing, 2nd edition an indispensable guide.

Want to learn more information about Java Swing, Second Edition?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

The Practice of Programming Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy The Practice of Programming? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on The Practice of Programming. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

The Practice of Programming ReviewIn computing, the learning curve is doubly steep. Not only do we have to learn very complex operations, but we have to learn them at a pace unrivaled in any other field. Furthermore, the equipment improves at a rate that simply boggles the mind. In this frantic environment, we rarely have time to read our code twice, much less read a book about code. Therefore, when we do read, we must make every minute count. This is one book where your count of wasted minutes would be a very small one.
Some of the tips in this book are obvious in retrospect, yet ones that you probably would not think of. My favorite is the fact that due to the changes in processors, a double precision floating point arithmetic operation can be faster than the equivalent one for integers. In the "old" days, the gospel was that you must avoid floating point operations unless absolutely necessary, to avoid the degradation of performance.
Other tips, such as methods to assure you comment what is necessary, taking a few minutes to learn simple performance features, debugging and testing guidelines; portability issues and basic algorithm analysis should cause you to pause for a moment. Even in our hectic development environments, stopping and analyzing your code is a necessity.
It is difficult to conceive of someone who will not find a tip in here that will justify the cost of the book. Unless of course, you are one of the authors. I listed it as one of the top books of the year in my On Books column that appeared in the September, 1999 issue of _Journal of Object-Oriented Programming_.The Practice of Programming Overview

Want to learn more information about The Practice of Programming?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach (2nd Edition) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach (2nd Edition)? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach (2nd Edition). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach (2nd Edition) ReviewI didn't think that the first edition of this book was as bad as some of the reviewers said, but the second edition is definitely a vast improvement. It's not just some obligatory 2nd edition that some authors release to say that they are staying actively published. The first edition was somewhat confusing in its explanations and the exercises were really blurry on what was being asked. All of that has now been resolved.
The book is a comprehensive and insightful introduction to artificial intelligence with an academic tone. It provides a unified view of the field organized around the rational decision making paradigm, which focuses on the selection of the "best" solution to a problem. The book's overall theme is that the purpose of AI is to solve problems via intelligent agents, and then goes about specifying the features such an agent or agents should have. Pseudocode is provided for all of the major AI algorithms. Being about the broadest book in terms of coverage of AI, you should therefore not expect it to be the deepest in coverage. However, each topic is covered to the extent that the reader should understand its essence. Sections one through six are absolutely wonderful, and comprise the "meat" of AI. Section seven is rather weak since it tries to cover both robotics and text processing in their own individual chapters, and entire books have a hard time covering this material. Section eight is different from the others, since it talks about the philosophy and future of AI.
Another plus for this book is that there is a great deal of extra material that deals with standard AI curriculum. For example, the chapters on logic not only include the typical introduction to propositional and first order logic together with the usual inference procedures, they also give many useful hints how to use first order logic to actually represent aspects of the real world such as measures, time, actions, mental objects, etc. These chapters also contain much information about how to implement efficient logical reasoners.
Finally, this second edition has an excellent website that can be found by going through the publisher's webpage for the book. This website contains four sample chapters, pseudocode, and actual code in Java, Python, and LISP.
I notice that Amazon shows the table of contents from the first edition, so I am showing what the actual table of contents is for the second edition for the purpose of completeness. Note that the book has been significantly reorganized.
I. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.
1. Introduction.
2. Intelligent Agents.
II. PROBLEM-SOLVING.
3. Solving Problems by Searching.
4. Informed Search and Exploration.
5. Constraint Satisfaction Problems.
6. Adversarial Search.
III. KNOWLEDGE AND REASONING.
7. Logical Agents.
8. First-Order Logic.
9. Inference in First-Order Logic.
10. Knowledge Representation.
IV. PLANNING.
11. Planning.
12. Planning and Acting in the Real World.
V. UNCERTAIN KNOWLEDGE AND REASONING.
13. Uncertainty.
14. Probabilistic Reasoning Systems.
15. Probabilistic Reasoning Over Time.
16. Making Simple Decisions.
17. Making Complex Decisions.
VI. LEARNING.
18. Learning from Observations.
19. Knowledge in Learning.
20. Statistical Learning Methods.
21. Reinforcement Learning.
VII. COMMUNICATING, PERCEIVING, AND ACTING.
22. Agents that Communicate.
23. Text Processing in the Large.
24. Perception.
25. Robotics.
VIII. CONCLUSIONS.
26. Philosophical Foundations.
27. AI: Present and Future.Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach (2nd Edition) Overview

Want to learn more information about Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach (2nd Edition)?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Beginning PHP and MySQL 5: From Novice to Professional (Beginning: From Novice to Professional) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Beginning PHP and MySQL 5: From Novice to Professional (Beginning: From Novice to Professional)? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Beginning PHP and MySQL 5: From Novice to Professional (Beginning: From Novice to Professional). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Beginning PHP and MySQL 5: From Novice to Professional (Beginning: From Novice to Professional) Review[Updated for Second Edition]
A beginning PHP book, not a beginning programming book. The subtitle, 'From Novice to Professional', can be a tad misleading for the novice coder. A beginning programming book covers a lot of material that this book assumes the reader already understands. Many software books include a 'Who Is This Book For' section that offers some guidance on the suitable reader knowledge level, not this one.
That said, I found this book to be very helpful. The sections on installing and configuring Apache, PHP and MySQL certainly saved me many hours of reading the online documentation and tweaking of settings while setting up my local test bed. That, in itself, made me a very happy camper. The author goes on to cover the various aspects from the basics of the PHP language and class libraries to topics like Authentication, Security, Session Handlers and eMail functionality that help anyone new to PHP setup some fairly sophisticated site capabilities.
The second edition has been supplemented with an added 200 pages, including a new section on PEAR (PHP Extension and Application Repository). This is a wealth of prewritten classes and packages that can be used to add even more sophisticated functionality to the novice's web development toolbox. The author demonstrates several of the more prominent packages.
The second edition has greatly beefed up with additional coverage of MySQL 5, including chapters on stored procedures, triggers and the PHP mysqli extension (all missed in the first edition). Most of the examples offered are clean and general enough to be useful templates for the reader's tailoring.
My suggestion for novices to PHP is read through chapter 9, then skip to the various sections that solve specific problems being faced or are of particular interest, including installing and configuring your local test bed.
Bottom line, the first edition was a good book for intermediate to veteran programmers looking for a quick tutorial on PHP (circa version 5.0); the second edition is even better. Novice programmers should ensure that they have a full understanding of the basics of programming (and OOP) before attempting it. I would now use this book to teach a class on PHP.
P-)Beginning PHP and MySQL 5: From Novice to Professional (Beginning: From Novice to Professional) Overview

Written for the budding web developer searching for a powerful, low-cost solution for building flexible, dynamic web sites.
Essentially three books in one: provides thorough introductions to the PHP language and the MySQL database, and shows you how these two technologies can be effectively integrated to build powerful websites.
Provides over 500 code examples, including real-world tasks such as creating an auto-login feature, sending HTML-formatted e-mail, testing password guessability, and uploading files via a web interface.
Updated for MySQL 5, includes new chapters introducing triggers, stored procedures, and views.



Want to learn more information about Beginning PHP and MySQL 5: From Novice to Professional (Beginning: From Novice to Professional)?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

The C++ Standard Library: A Tutorial and Reference Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy The C++ Standard Library: A Tutorial and Reference? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on The C++ Standard Library: A Tutorial and Reference. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

The C++ Standard Library: A Tutorial and Reference ReviewOn my second reading, I'm still finding more gems in this book. Up to now, it was almost impossible to find any comprehensive material on the standard library. All one could find was the odd article about some aspect of the library, or rather specialized books about STL. Nicolai has fixed that particular problem once and for all.
The book reminds of Richard Stevens's famous UNIX books. Incredibly complete, incredibly detailed, incredibly accurate, and a great tutorial and reference at the same time. And, best of all, it's just as accessible to someone who is not a real expert as it is for someone who's been using C++ for years.
This is one of the *very* few books that get a spot on my top shelf. A classic that I will come back to again and again.The C++ Standard Library: A Tutorial and Reference OverviewThe C++ Standard Library provides a set of common classes and interfaces that greatly extend the core C++ language. Josuttis' book not only provides comprehensive documentation of each library component, it also offers clearly written explanations of complex concepts, describes the practical programming details needed for effective use, and gives example after example of working code. This thoroughly up-to-date book reflects the newest elements of the C++ standard library incorporated into the full ANSI/ISO C++ language standard. In particular, the text focuses on the Standard Template Library (STL), examining containers, iterators, function objects, and STL algorithms.

Want to learn more information about The C++ Standard Library: A Tutorial and Reference?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Getting Started with Arduino (Make: Projects) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Getting Started with Arduino (Make: Projects)? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Getting Started with Arduino (Make: Projects). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Getting Started with Arduino (Make: Projects) ReviewWhile some reviewers decry the intro "fluff" chapters and the simplicity of some of the projects, by the end of this short book, you will have been exposed to many of the capabilities of the Arduino microcontroller. I found the book's projects to be very informative and fun. One warning to buyers: You will need to buy a few more electronic parts to take full advantage of this book and it's projects. Here's what you should get:
1. 5-10 x 10K-Ohm resistors
2. 1 x Momentary push button switch (4 pin), compatible with a breadboard
3. 5 x LEDs of differing colors (most will work with the 3-5V output of the Arduino).
4. 1 x MOSFET or 1 x 5V actuated relay (this is to turn on/off motors)
5. 1 x solder-less breadboard
6. 1 x jumper wire kit (various lengths and colors of short wires)
7. 1 x LDR (light dependent resistor)
8. 1 x 9V (or similar magnitude) battery case with leads for a breadboard
9. 1 x small motor (5-9V).
It seems like quite a bit, but if you get and use these parts with the projects, you will learn how to use sensors to take in data from the environment, have the Arduino process it, and then drive a response (in the form of lighting LEDs, turning on motors, etc.). Fortunately, the Arduino itself is USB-powered, so the other power sources (i.e. the battery case) will only be needed to run things like the motor.Getting Started with Arduino (Make: Projects) OverviewThis valuable little book offers a thorough introduction to the open-source electronics prototyping platform that's taking the design and hobbyist world by storm. Getting Started with Arduino gives you lots of ideas for Arduino projects and helps you get going on them right away. From getting organized to putting the final touches on your prototype, all the information you need is right in the book. Inside, you'll learn about:
Interaction design and physical computing
The Arduino hardware and software development environment
Basics of electricity and electronics
Prototyping on a solderless breadboard
Drawing a schematic diagram
And more. With inexpensive hardware and open-source software components that you can download free, getting started with Arduino is a snap. To use the introductory examples in this book, all you need is a USB Arduino, USB A-B cable, and an LED. Join the tens of thousands of hobbyists who have discovered this incredible (and educational) platform. Written by the co-founder of the Arduino project, with illustrations by Elisa Canducci, Getting Started with Arduino gets you in on the fun! This 128-page book is a greatly expanded follow-up to the author's original short PDF that's available on the Arduino website.

Want to learn more information about Getting Started with Arduino (Make: Projects)?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Effective STL: 50 Specific Ways to Improve Your Use of the Standard Template Library Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Effective STL: 50 Specific Ways to Improve Your Use of the Standard Template Library? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Effective STL: 50 Specific Ways to Improve Your Use of the Standard Template Library. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Effective STL: 50 Specific Ways to Improve Your Use of the Standard Template Library ReviewThis is a truly useful book. It explains lots of little "gotchas" that I didn't know about previously, and Scott does his usual excellent job at explaining *why* it's important to do things a certain way (and no other). One part that I found particularly interesting is about the futility of writing container-independent code; not only does that section show why this is a bad idea, it also serves as a splendid illustration of the idiosyncracies of the various containers. The chapter on iterators is priceless, as are the tips about writing comprehensible code and debugging.
The presentation is very much up-to-date (even to the point where it anticipates some of the forthcoming updates to the C++ standard). The writing style is clear and precise without sounding academic or condescending, and the book has an index that actually works.
"Effective STL" is every bit as good as "Effective C++" and "More Effective C++". No C++ programmer should still be writing code without the STL, and no-one writing code with the STL should be without this book. Buy it!Effective STL: 50 Specific Ways to Improve Your Use of the Standard Template Library Overview"This is Effective C++ volume three – it's really that good."– Herb Sutter, independent consultant and secretary of the ISO/ANSI C++ standards committee"There are very few books which all C++ programmers must have. Add Effective STL to that list."– Thomas Becker, Senior Software Engineer, Zephyr Associates, Inc., and columnist, C/C++ Users JournalC++'s Standard Template Library is revolutionary, but learning to use it well has always been a challenge. Until now. In this book, best-selling author Scott Meyers (Effective C++, and More Effective C++) reveals the critical rules of thumb employed by the experts – the things they almost always do or almost always avoid doing – to get the most out of the library.Other books describe what's in the STL. Effective STL shows you how to use it. Each of the book's 50 guidelines is backed by Meyers' legendary analysis and incisive examples, so you'll learn not only what to do, but also when to do it – and why.Highlights of Effective STL include:Advice on choosing among standard STL containers (like vector and list), nonstandard STL containers (like hash_set and hash_map), and non-STL containers (like bitset). Techniques to maximize the efficiency of the STL and the programs that use it. Insights into the behavior of iterators, function objects, and allocators, including things you should not do. Guidance for the proper use of algorithms and member functions whose names are the same (e.g., find), but whose actions differ in subtle (but important) ways. Discussions of potential portability problems, including straightforward ways to avoid them.Like Meyers' previous books, Effective STL is filled with proven wisdom that comes only from experience. Its clear, concise, penetrating style makes it an essential resource for every STL programmer.

Want to learn more information about Effective STL: 50 Specific Ways to Improve Your Use of the Standard Template Library?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and Source Code in C, Second Edition Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and Source Code in C, Second Edition? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and Source Code in C, Second Edition. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and Source Code in C, Second Edition ReviewBruce Schneier's APPLIED CRYPTOGRAPHY is an excellent book for anyone interested in cryptology from an amateur level to actually being involved in the development of new encryption mechanisms. Schneier's book begins with a simple discussion of what is cryptography, and then he proceeds through the history of various encryption algorithms and their functioning. The last portion of the book contains C code for several public-domain encryption algorithms.
A caveat: this is not a textbook of cryptography in the sense that it teaches everything necessary to understand the mathematical basis of the science. Schneier does not discuss number theory because he expects those who use the relevant chapters of the book will already have training in higher maths. Nonetheless, the book does contain a wealth of information even for the layman.
One helpful part of Schneier's book is his opinion of which encryption algorithms are already broken by the National Security Agency, thus letting the reader know which encryption programs to avoid. There will always be people who encrypt to 40-bit DES even though it is flimsy and nearly instantly breakable, but the readers of APPLIED CRYPTOGRAPHY can greatly improve the confidentiality of their messages and data with this book. Discussion of public-key web-of-trust is essential reading for anyone confused by how public-key signatures work.
APPLIED CRYPTOGRAPHY was published in 1995 and some parts are already out of date. It is ironic that he hardly mentions PGP, when PGP went on to become the most renowned military-strength encryption program available to the public, although it is being superseded by GnuPG. Another anachronism is Schneier's assurance that quantum computing is decades away. In the years since publication of APPLIED CRYPTOGRAPHY we have seen some strides in quantum computer, even the creation of a quantum computer that can factor the number 15. While this publicly known quantum computer is not at all anything to get excited about, it is certain that more powerful quantum computers are in development and classified by NSA. Because a quantum computer can break virtually any traditional cipher, hiding the message (steganography) is becoming more important than ever. In the era of Schneier's book steganography was unnecessary because ciphertext could withstand brute-force attacks, but with advances in computing power steganography is becoming vital to secure communications. It would be nice to see the book updated with this topic, because cryptography and steganography can no longer be regarded as two distinct fields.
All in all, in spite of its age, APPLIED CRYPTOGRAPHY is recommended to anyone interested in cryptography. It ranks among the essential books on the field, although an updated version is certainly hoped for.Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and Source Code in C, Second Edition Overview

Want to learn more information about Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and Source Code in C, Second Edition?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Killer Game Programming in Java Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Killer Game Programming in Java? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Killer Game Programming in Java. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Killer Game Programming in Java ReviewThis book is miles ahead of other Java gaming books... For one thing, this is an excellent book in its own right. For another, the other existing books on the topic suck.
Anybody who spends a lot of time writing games in Java ends up running into certain challenges. For each of these real issues, it takes a lot time to identify the issue then many hours to come up a satisfactory solution or work-around. This book saves you from 99% of that work. The author has documented nearly every complication that you will run into. The other Java gaming books explain how to apply common sense and traditional gaming strategies to the Java APIs (usually following Sun's tutorials exactly), giving step-by-step instructions on how to do so. Besides the point that this adds no value for somebody capable of following Sun's tutorials and APIs, they offer no help where you need it most... where the straight-forward approach is unsatisfactory or just doesn't work for some reason.
Another thing that has saved me a ton of frustration and time is advice from the author. For my specific game project I've run into several questions which I've been unable to answer by web searches, posting to forums, etc. I've emailed Davison (the author), and he has answered each of my questions concisely and to the point every time. (I don't want you to spam him, so please don't send questions until after you have looked for the answer in his book!).
To address concerns that other reviewers have posted:
This book is not just for "advanced" Java developers. As Davison has emailed me, the intended audience is, "someone who has just got past their first Java course". He purposefully avoids avoids all but elemental Java features (e.g., no ternaries, abstract classes, logging infrastructures, IOC).
WRT examples, you are not buying a gaming library or framework. The goal is not to give you production classes that you can use as-is in production quality products. Other reviewers are demanding production-ready examples. It is impossible to make production-ready examples that can be easily understood by first-year Java developers. If you want production-ready classes, don't look for them in a HOW-TO book, find them elsewhere or read this book and then write them yourself.Killer Game Programming in Java Overview
Although the number of commercial Java games is still small compared to those written in C or C++, the market is expanding rapidly. Recent updates to Java make it faster and easier to create powerful gaming applications-particularly Java 3D-is fueling an explosive growth in Java games. Java games like Puzzle Pirates, Chrome, Star Wars Galaxies, Runescape, Alien Flux, Kingdom of Wars, Law and Order II, Roboforge, Tom Clancy's Politika, and scores of others have earned awards and become bestsellers.

Java developers new to graphics and game programming, as well as game developers new to Java 3D, will find Killer Game Programming in Java invaluable. This new book is a practical introduction to the latest Java graphics and game programming technologies and techniques. It is the first book to thoroughly cover Java's 3D capabilities for all types of graphics and game development projects.

Killer Game Programming in Java is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know to program cool, testosterone-drenched Java games. It will give you reusable techniques to create everything from fast, full-screen action games to multiplayer 3D games.In addition to the most thorough coverage of Java 3D available, Killer Game Programming in Java also clearly details the older, better-known 2D APIs, 3D sprites, animated 3D sprites, first-person shooter programming, sound, fractals, and networked games. Killer Game Programming in Java is a must-have for anyone who wants to create adrenaline-fueled games in Java.


Want to learn more information about Killer Game Programming in Java?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

C++ In-Depth Box Set Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy C++ In-Depth Box Set? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on C++ In-Depth Box Set. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

C++ In-Depth Box Set ReviewThe listing didn't seem to quickly show the books inside:
* Modern C++ Design, by Andrei Alexandrescu
* Accelerated C++, by Andrew Koenig and Barbara Moo
* Essential C++, by Stan Lippman
* Exceptional C++, by Herb Sutter
* More Exceptional C++, by Herb Sutter
My primary complaint is that two of the books (accelerated and essential c++), are rather beginner-oriented compared to the advanced nature of the rest of the books. The other three were great, but I found little use for accelerated and essential.C++ In-Depth Box Set OverviewBjarne Stroustrup's own C++ In-Depth Series is now available all together in one attractive gift box, at a special reduced price! All books in this series have been hand-picked by Bjarne Stroustrup, the creator of the C++ programming language, as being worthy additions to the C++ literature. They give programmers concise, focused guides to specific topics. The series' practical approach is designed to lift professionals to the next level in their programming skills. They are all written by acknowledged experts. The books included are:*Modern C++ Design, by Andrei Alexandrescu *Accelerated C++, by Andrew Koenig and Barbara Moo *Essential C++, by Stan Lippman *Exceptional C++, by Herb Sutter *More Exceptional C++, by Herb Sutter These are five great books of use to all C++ programmers. They are gathered into one handsome and sturdy gift box, and they are specially priced at over $30 off the cost of buying them individually. The C++ In-Depth Box Set will be a welcome gift for any C++ programmer. 0201775816B12112002

Want to learn more information about C++ In-Depth Box Set?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

ASP.NET Unleashed (2nd Edition) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy ASP.NET Unleashed (2nd Edition)? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on ASP.NET Unleashed (2nd Edition). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

ASP.NET Unleashed (2nd Edition) ReviewTo begin with, this book isn't clear about what language is covered throughout the book. It seems it's trying to hide that it covers only Visual Basic. If you're into C#, you have to translate the examples yourself although these translations are ridiculously simple about 29 times out of 30. That 30th time, a certain amount of C# experience or extensive newsgroup searches will be needed.
If you want a decent VB reference you can go for this book or simply use the free .NET Framework SDK Documentation. The advantage of having this book at hand is that it sheds some light on the topics with its own examples.
As a tutorial to read from cover to cover, I think the author could have done a better job. If you read e.g. pages 84-131, you will read about the same text repeated four times with the exceptions being the search-and-replace that seems to have been performed on some words. I'm exaggerating a bit here, but not that much. I guess that's the price of having one author managing to write a 1400 pages book on a new technology all by himself, pressured by time. This isn't to be seen as critics against Walther though, he seems to be very knowledgeable on the subject.
I could recommend this book to VB programmers wanting something more than the free Microsoft documentation for ASP.NET. This is not a strong recommendation though. Have a look at the alternatives as well.ASP.NET Unleashed (2nd Edition) OverviewA well-known expert in the ASP development community, best-selling author Stephen Walther brings his experience as an ASP.NET trainer to the new edition of ASP.NET Unleashed. With this update to the highly regarded ASP.NET book, readers learn the advanced features of ASP.NET 1.1, and how to apply them in their own Internet applications. This in-depth, code-intensive title covers a broad range of advanced ASP.NET topics with samples now available in both VB.NET and C#.Throughout the more than 1,400 pages readers are shown how to develop state-of-the-art Web applications using Microsoft's powerful ASP.NET. It progresses through Web Forms basics, advanced page development, ADO.NET and XML, securing Web applications, XML Web Services, leveraging the .NET Framework, building custom controls and powerful sample applications. This is a resource that will be referenced over and over.

Want to learn more information about ASP.NET Unleashed (2nd Edition)?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Java In A Nutshell, 5th Edition Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Java In A Nutshell, 5th Edition? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Java In A Nutshell, 5th Edition. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Java In A Nutshell, 5th Edition ReviewAs far as the information inside the book goes, it's a great book that describes the basics of Java in a simple, here's what you need to know format. It describes everything you need to know about Java syntax, objects, etc, etc, etc. The big reason to get this is for the Java 5.0 info, which is scattered throughout Chapter 2. There is also Chapter 4, which goes into more detail on some of the more interesting features of Java 5.0.
However, the bulk of the 1200+ pages are essentially the javadoc, with some additional notes. In thumbing around and looking at random class descriptions, I didn't see anything I couldn't get from the javadoc. This is obviously a personal preference - if you like the hardcopy, it might work for you. It just seems like a waste to me.
I would have been much happier with the first 400 pages and a note on page 401 that said "buy another book if you need the apis" or "go read the javadoc". A 400 page Nutshell book I can throw in the backpack, thumb through, and carry around. A 1200 page Nutshell (like Java 5.0 for that matter) seems to be suffering from a bit of unnecessary bloat.Java In A Nutshell, 5th Edition Overview
With more than 700,000 copies sold to date, Java in a Nutshell from O'Reilly is clearly the favorite resource amongst the legion of developers and programmers using Java technology. And now, with the release of the 5.0 version of Java, O'Reilly has given the book that defined the "in a Nutshell" category another impressive tune-up.

In this latest revision, readers will find Java in a Nutshell, 5th Edition, does more than just cover the extensive changes implicit in 5.0, the newest version of Java. It's undergone a complete makeover--in scope, size, and type of coverage--in order to more closely meet the needs of the modern Java programmer.

To wit, Java in a Nutshell, 5th Edition now places less emphasis on coming to Java from C and C++, and adds more discussion on tools and frameworks. It also offers new code examples to illustrate the working of APIs, and, of course, extensive coverage of Java 5.0. But faithful readers take comfort: it still hasn't lost any of its core elements that made it such a classic to begin with.

This handy reference gets right to the heart of the program with an accelerated introduction to the Java programming language and its key APIs--ideal for developers wishing to start writing code right away. And, as was the case in previous editions, Java in a Nutshell, 5th Edition is once again chock-full of poignant tips, techniques, examples, and practical advice. For as long as Java has existed, Java in a Nutshell has helped developers maximize the capabilities of the program's newest versions. And this latest edition is no different.


Want to learn more information about Java In A Nutshell, 5th Edition?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...