Encyclopedia Of Computer Science

Book Overview

The Encyclopedia of Computer Science is the definitive reference in computer science and technology. First published in 1976, it is still the only single volume to cover every major aspect of the field. Now in its Fourth Edition, this influential work provides an historical timeline highlighting the key breakthroughs in computer science and technology, as well as clear and concise explanations of the latest technology and its practical applications. Its unique blend of historical perspective, current knowledge and predicted future trends has earned it its richly deserved reputation as an unrivalled reference classic. What sets the Encyclopedia apart from other reference sources is the comprehensiveness of each of its entries. Encompassing far more than mere definitions, each article elaborates on a topic giving a remarkable breadth and depth of coverage. The visual impact of the volume is enhanced with a 16 page colour insert spotlighting advanced computer applications and computer-generated graphics technology. In addition, the text is enlivened with figures, tables, diagrams, illustrations and photographs. With contributions from over 300 international experts, the 4th Edition contains over 100 completely new articles ranging from artificial life to computer ethics, data mining to Java, mobile computing to quantum computing and software safety to the World Wide Web. In addition, each of the more than 600 articles have been extensively revised, expanded and updated to reflect the latest developments in computer science and technology. Intelligently and thoughtfully organised, all the articles are classified around 9 main themes Hardware Software Computer Systems Information and Data Mathematics of Computing Theory of Computation Methodologies Applications Computing Milieux Within each of these major headings are a wealth of articles that provide the reader with concise yet thorough coverage of the topic. In addition, cross-references are included at the beginning of each article, directing the reader immediately to related material. In addition the Encyclopedia contains useful appendices including: An expanded glossary of major terms in English, German, Spanish and Russian A revised list of abbreviations and acronyms An updated list of computer science and engineering research journals A list of articles from previous editions not included in the 4th edition A Name Index listing almost 3500 individuals cited in the text A comprehensive General Index with 7000 entries A chronology of significant milestones Computer Society & Academic Computer Science Department Listings Numerical Tables, Mathematical Notation and Units of Measure Highly-regarded as an essential resource for computer professionals, engineers, mathematicians, students and scientists, the Encyclopedia of Computer Science is a must-have reference for every college, university, business and high-school library.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0442803214
• ISBN13: 9780442803216
• Release Date: January 1976
• Publisher: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company
• Length: 1523 Pages
• Weight: 5.45 lbs.

Customer Reviews

The latest edition of the best basic reference on Computer Science

An excellent overview of Computer Science. This really is an excellent basic reference for non-specialists who need to elaborate on Computer Science topics. This encyclopedia is comprehensive in its breadth of coverage, and directs the reader at the next level of depth through cross-reference to articles and bibliographic references for those who need to in-depth in an specific topic. It will be a valuable part of your library if you are not a CS specialist have an interest on Computer Science subjects. If you are a practitioner, you may do better with "The Engineering and Computer Science Handbook".

Excellent reference fo all aspects of Computer Science

I have as of this writing passed through about half of the encyclopedia and found it to be of the highest value. It has helped me to gain insights into areas that I am foggy in and also expanded my knowledge of areas in which I hold some expertise.Ron Davis MCSE, MCSD, MCDBA, MCP+I, MCP+SB, MCT, CIW, CI, CTT

The wait is finally over

Two words for you - David Hemmindinger - Can this man edit or what? Was Very excited about the release of this book, excellent reference material. I think Dinger needs to write a book of his own next! I know I'll read it.

A delicious "Brittanica" of computer science

I have the 1983 Second Edition and it is, as I assume the pricey Third is,a reference of biblical proportions, a sort of Brittanica of computer science. Lucid, authoritative articles. But while I lust after the new Edition, the three figure price makes me too shy to make a pass. Pity. If you can afford it, buy it.

THE Encyclopedia for Computer Students and Faculty.

This comprehensive work on Computer Science is a must-have for Computer Science and Engineering faculty and students alike. On questions of theory this reference is your first place to look, often the review I found within was of enough detail that I could walk away with enough background to understand the concepts, their application and what directions to go in order to learn more. How can I best describe it's wealth of content? It's an Encyclopedia, alright. Many articles extend more than a page in length, with helpful illustrations (diagrams of data structures, tables and charts, code snippets) and pertinent mathematical formulae. Paragraph by paragraph the descriptions grow deeper into the subject matter. Related terms are highlighted and explained in context. After a brief perusal you can grasp the concepts pertinent to each topic, whereas a thorough reading including related articles can renew your understanding with a fine grain of detail. This is a must-have for consultations by computing professionals who need a refresher in network theory or algorithmic analysis. Its highly educative for students to read up on BNF, compiler theory or relation databases prior to and during such undergraduate courses, to get the most out of lectures and labs. This is a computer science encyclopedia, so its coverage of technology is limited (you won't find anything on DCOM or CORBA). Its more classical science than that (the sections on Distributed Computing and Parallel Processing will make a useful introduction to DCOM today, and whatever the future technology in the field is tomorrow.) It's sad to hear its out-of-print. Every computer person should have a copy to rely upon. The third edition (1993) went for $99 when it was in print and was a worthwhile reference value. There have been long spans of time between editions, perhaps we can expect a fourth one sometime soon.