The Textbook

Most computer science textbooks feature a lot of mathematical proofs that have little value for practitioners, who are working in the real world. Prof. Rahul Simha of GWU calls this “gratuitous math.” I reviewed one popular database textbook that had 40 pages of proofs that I believed would never be useful on the job. But this same textbook didn’t cover fourth normal form, claiming that it’s never needed and is of only research interest. After years of working in the field, I can tell you that you need fourth normal form quite often!

In addition, many professors seem obligated to present formal proofs for anything they discuss in class, so their courses spend a lot of time on proofs that won’t help students when they have actual jobs. My textbook has enough math to understand the material, but no more. There are no proofs that are not useful to the practitioner.

Most computer science textbooks are published by one of a few academic publishers, and sold through university bookstores. That’s a high-markup distribution channel. My textbook is available only on Amazon.

Most computer science textbooks are distributed in hard copy. Today, students want to read and use books in soft copy. This book is available in a digital copy now, and a hard copy is coming soon.

Many computer science textbooks exceed $100, and I recently received a publishing contract for my book that would have set its price at $120. In fact, a newly released book is priced at a staggering $250! In contrast, my book is available for just $39.

This link will license you to read a digital copy of the book using a web browser on two devices you designate. A hard copy of the book will soon be available, and you will be able to upgrade this purchase to include both the hard copy and the digital copy.

Note that once you’ve purchased, this same button will give you access to the book.