Learn the skills and acquire the intuition to assess the theoretical limitations of computer programming Offering an accessible approach to the topic, Theory of Computation focuses on the metatheory of computing and the theoretical boundaries between what various computational models can do and not do—from the most general model, the URM (Unbounded Register Machines), to the finite automaton. A wealth of programming-like examples and easy-to-follow explanations build the general theory gradually, which guides readers through the modeling and mathematical analysis of computational phenomena and provides insights on what makes things tick and also what restrains the ability of computational processes. Recognizing the importance of acquired practical experience, the book begins with the metatheory of general purpose computer programs, using URMs as a straightforward, technology-independent model of modern high-level programming languages while also exploring the restrictions of the URM language. Once readers gain an understanding of computability theory—including the primitive recursive functions—the author presents automata and languages, covering the regular and context-free languages as well as the machines that recognize these languages. Several advanced topics such as reducibilities, the recursion theorem, complexity theory, and Cook's theorem are also discussed. Features of the book include: A review of basic discrete mathematics, covering logic and induction while omitting specialized combinatorial topics A thorough development of the modeling and mathematical analysis of computational phenomena, providing a solid foundation of un-computability The connection between un-computability and un-provability: Gödel's first incompleteness theorem The book provides numerous examples of specific URMs as well as other programming languages including Loop Programs, FA (Deterministic Finite Automata), NFA (Nondeterministic Finite Automata), and PDA (Pushdown Automata). Exercises at the end of each chapter allow readers to test their comprehension of the presented material, and an extensive bibliography suggests resources for further study. Assuming only a basic understanding of general computer programming and discrete mathematics, Theory of Computation serves as a valuable book for courses on theory of computation at the upper-undergraduate level. The book also serves as an excellent resource for programmers and computing professionals wishing to understand the theoretical limitations of their craft.

Theory of computation is seen as a branch of both theoretical computer science and modern mathematics (however, it also contains some concepts from pure mathematics). Theory of computation shows how one can effectively solve a problem using a computational model. A number of computational models are described in theory of computation. Algorithm is most common format of computational model. Algorithm is a logical, systematic presentation of the process of problem solution. It theoretically represents the procedure of solving a particular problem. Flowchart is another form of such model of computation. Simply, flowchart is a graphical representation of any algorithm, using various symbols. Each symbol of flowchart represents a particular action. Algorithms and flowcharts possess a strong relation among each other. Yet, theory of computation talks more deeply and descriptively about algorithms and less about flowcharts.

Theory of computation is the scientific discipline concerned with the study of general properties of computation and studies the inherent possibilities and limitations of efficient computation that makes machines more intelligent and enables them to carry out intellectual processes. This book deals with all those concepts by developing the standard mathematical models of computational devices, and by investigating the cognitive and generative capabilities of such machines. The book emphasizes on mathematical reasoning and problem-solving techniques that penetrate computer science. Each chapter gives a clear statement of definition and thoroughly discusses the concepts, principles and theorems with illustrative and other descriptive materials.

This textbook is uniquely written with dual purpose. It cover cores material in the foundations of computing for graduate students in computer science and also provides an introduction to some more advanced topics for those intending further study in the area. This innovative text focuses primarily on computational complexity theory: the classification of computational problems in terms of their inherent complexity. The book contains an invaluable collection of lectures for first-year graduates on the theory of computation. Topics and features include more than 40 lectures for first year graduate students, and a dozen homework sets and exercises.

Algorithms and Theory of Computation Handbook, Second Edition in a two volume set, provides an up-to-date compendium of fundamental computer science topics and techniques. It also illustrates how the topics and techniques come together to deliver efficient solutions to important practical problems. New to the Second Edition: Along with updating and revising many of the existing chapters, this second edition contains more than 20 new chapters. This edition now covers external memory, parameterized, self-stabilizing, and pricing algorithms as well as the theories of algorithmic coding, privacy and anonymity, databases, computational games, and communication networks. It also discusses computational topology, computational number theory, natural language processing, and grid computing and explores applications in intensity-modulated radiation therapy, voting, DNA research, systems biology, and financial derivatives. This best-selling handbook continues to help computer professionals and engineers find significant information on various algorithmic topics. The expert contributors clearly define the terminology, present basic results and techniques, and offer a number of current references to the in-depth literature. They also provide a glimpse of the major research issues concerning the relevant topics

"A Handbook of Theory of Computation" is a comprehensive guide designed for absolute beginners seeking to delve into the captivating world of theoretical computer science. Tailored to provide a gentle introduction to complex concepts, this book offers a curated collection of fundamental theories, principles, and formulas in automata theory, formal languages, complexity theory, and more. Through clear explanations and illustrative examples, readers will navigate topics such as finite automata, regular expressions, context-free grammars, Turing machines, and computational complexity with ease. With a focus on accessibility and practical relevance, this handbook equips readers with the foundational knowledge and tools necessary to understand and analyze computational systems, laying the groundwork for further exploration and discovery in the dynamic field of computer science.

This volume contains nine selected papers presented at the Borgholm conference. They were chosen on the basis of their immediate relevance to the most fundamental aspects of the theory of computation and the newest developments in this area.These papers, which have been extended and refereed, fall into eight categories: 1. Constructive Mathematics in Models of Computation and Programming; 2. Abstract Calculi and Denotational Semantics; 3. Theory of Machines, Computations and Languages; 4. Nondeterminism, Concurrency and Distributed Computing; 5. Abstract Algebras, Logics and Combinatorics in Computation Theory; 6. General Computability and Decidability; 7. Computational and Arithmetic Complexity; 8. Analysis of Algorithms and Feasible Computing.

Algorithms and Theory of Computation Handbook, Second Edition: Special Topics and Techniques provides an up-to-date compendium of fundamental computer science topics and techniques. It also illustrates how the topics and techniques come together to deliver efficient solutions to important practical problems.Along with updating and revising many of

This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Theory and Applications of Models of Computation, TAMC 2008, held in Xi'an, China in April 2008. The 48 revised full papers presented together with 2 invited talks and 1 plenary lecture were carefully reviewed and selected from 192 submissions. The papers address current issues of all major areas in computer science, mathematics (especially logic) and the physical sciences - computation, algorithms, complexity and computability theory in particular. With this crossdisciplinary character the conference is given a special flavor and distinction.

This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the Third International Conference on Theory and Applications of Models of Computation, TAMC 2006, held in Beijing, China, in May 2006. The 75 revised full papers presented together with 7 plenary talks were carefully reviewed and selected from 319 submissions. All major areas in computer science, mathematics (especially logic) and the physical sciences particularly with regard to computation and computability theory are addressed.