provide a simple introduction to the basic features of a language,
highlight special features,
illustrate tasks for which the language is particularly well suited
have exercises and solutions,
weigh less than 10 pounds.
I speak several languages, from Basic to C++. I found Johnson's Elements of Programming With Perl to be the perfect introduction. After working through that, I find I can use a Pocket Reference to figure out how to do almost anything that I need to do.
I've always thought that the truly amazing thing about Knuth's books is the writing. Few writers, be they technical writers, journalists, or novelists, write as clearly.
that in this type of forum people feel free to let loose with tirades about books they haven't read. I'm not sure this is what people have in mind when they are touting the value of free speech on the internet.
I read the book after hearing the author on a radio talk show, and I found it to be thoughtful and well written. There is more to it than "Bosses want people to work more for less and employees want to work less for more" or a recapitulation of Marx or Dilbert.
It is well worth reading by someone who wants to think about any of the topics mentioned in the original posting or the comments.
There are probably several organizations who do work in your community: foodbanks, shelters, historical societies, and groups with an environmental or educational focus. They might need help with a website or setting up an office network. My advice is find something you want to work on (such as helping to feed people), seek out the organizations that do this, drop by and see what they might need. You're more likely to get involved and stay involved if you focus on an issue that you care about.
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I speak several languages, from Basic to C++. I found Johnson's Elements of Programming With Perl to be the perfect introduction. After working through that, I find I can use a Pocket Reference to figure out how to do almost anything that I need to do.
p.s. Spiral binding would be wonderful.
I've always thought that the truly amazing thing about Knuth's books is the writing. Few writers, be they technical writers, journalists, or novelists, write as clearly.
This is the first Jon Katz posting I can recall that didn't result in massive verbal pointing and shooting.
You can visit their website:
http://www.powells.com
that in this type of forum people feel free to let loose with tirades about books they haven't read. I'm not sure this is what people have in mind when they are touting the value of free speech on the internet. I read the book after hearing the author on a radio talk show, and I found it to be thoughtful and well written. There is more to it than "Bosses want people to work more for less and employees want to work less for more" or a recapitulation of Marx or Dilbert. It is well worth reading by someone who wants to think about any of the topics mentioned in the original posting or the comments.
There are probably several organizations who do work in your community: foodbanks, shelters, historical societies, and groups with an environmental or educational focus. They might need help with a website or setting up an office network. My advice is find something you want to work on (such as helping to feed people), seek out the organizations that do this, drop by and see what they might need. You're more likely to get involved and stay involved if you focus on an issue that you care about.