The Science of Programming

by David Gries

• ISBN13: 9780387906416
• ISBN10: 038790641X
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2012-12-06
• Publisher: Springer Nature

Summary

This is the very first book to discuss the theory and principles of computer programming on the basis of the idea that a proof of correctness and a program should be developed hand in hand. It is built around the method first proposed by Dijkstra in his monograph The Discipline of Programming (1976), involving a "calculus for the derivation of programs." Directing his materials to the computer programmer with at least one year of experience, Gries presents explicit principles behind program development, and then leads the reader through example programs using those principles. Propositions and predicate calculus are presented as a took for the programmer, rather than simply an object of study. The reader should come away with a fresh outlook on programming theory and practice, and the assurance to develop correct programs effectively.

Table of Contents

Why Use Logic? Why Prove Programs Correct?

Propositions

Reasoning Using Equivalence Transformations

A Natural Deduction System

Predicates

Notations and Conventions for Arrays

Using Assertions to Document Programs

The Semantics of a Small Language

The Predicate Transformer wp

The Commands Skip, Abort and Composition

The Assignment Command

The Alternative Command

Procedure Call

The Iterative Command

Procedure Call

The Development of Programs

Introduction

Programming as a Goal-Oriented Activity

Developing Loops From Invariants and Bounds

Developing Invariants

Notes on Bound Functions

Using Iteration Instead of Recursion

Efficiency Considerations

Two Larger Examples of Program Development

Inverting Programs

Notes on Documentation

Historical

Notes

Appendix 1-4

Answers to Exercises

References

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.