Introduction to the Theory of Computation

My appreciation for this book has grown a lot over time. At first, when reading it for a course, it appeared to me as Yet Another Textbook. Now, years later and working in a related field, I find myself recommending this book all the time. Sipser does a lovely job introducing the Chomsky hierarchy and increasingly powerful models of computation (finite state automata, pushdown automata, and Turing machines) in both their deterministic and nondeterministic variants, and later transitions into explaining the context that these play in modern complexity theory (along with going over some introductory complexity theory itself). All of it is written wonderfully, too. This is one of the easiest-to-read textbooks I've encountered over the years.If you truly wish to understand computation at the axiomatic level, Sipser is undoubtedly the first book you should be picking up.

This was used as a supplement for a theory of computations course I took. The teacher provided us all the problems and recommended any edition of this book as a supplement. I'm not a fan of text book prices, but this one is cheap and useful for studying or solidifying some concepts.This is a great supplement, though it would be confusing on its own.The problems are great and you can find answers to a good chunk of them to see if you're doing it right.

Anyone who is interested in computation theory.This book is awesome.Sipser is a genius and Theory of Computation is an amazing subject with proofs built upon each other until incredible answers to questions that would seem to be a vast journey to figure out are completed in mathematical notation before your eyes.I suggest reading this book even if you won't understand everything in it just to get a feel for what is going on. It was certainly a help for me to not be in the dark so much for every lecture of my insanely complex college class. This book gives you the math, but starts from where it makes sense so you can follow the thinking along and see the purpose and application of everything as well as understand the main fundamental concepts.I recommend reading this book spread out before, during and after your theory class as you find it natural.

The condition is listed as Good. However, when I receive the item, the cover is in danger of falling apart. I would say the condition is only acceptable. Other than that, it is good.

This text provides a gentle introduction of this theory covering all three aspects: automata, complexity, and computability. This book does not include the long and tedious mathemathical proofs of its assertions that might be found in similiar text. For some one who is looking for a simple conceptual introduction with ample "laymen's explanations", an excellent book for a refresher on the subject, or a supplemental text for a course which they are taking or teaching, this work is subperb. At some point, I plan on purchasing another Sipser text on another computing topic if available.

As a near-straight A computer science student, I bought this book while taking an Automata and Computability class. This book was terrible. It had zero real life examples of how the theory would ever be used. I simply couldn't relate to the material. In fact, all of the examples provided were outdated by at least 45-50 years. Some of the devices used in the examples no longer existed (like some pre-historic tape machines).I later took the same class with another teacher who didn't use any books but instead used examples like soda machine that dispenses correct change, etc. Much more helpful.The book was very confusing. I'm glad it's over. I left the book in the lobby of my building for some poor soul to pick it up. :)

I had this book in a computer theory course and I looked up similar books in the library looking for extra help and different perspectives. They were all horrible in comparison! No book can make this topic as easy as something hands-on like programming, but this one does the best I can imagine. The proofs are preceded by a "proof idea" that outlines what's going on before you get into the rigorous details. The writing is fluid and discusses the implications of the theorems and why they're important. This gives the reader an appreciation of the topic, which is a rare thing in something this arcane. Even if your course doesn't use this book, I recommend buying it as a supplement. I expect it to become a classic in the field.

An excellent introduction for those interested in learning about basic machines and more complex theoretical computational theory. Got it shipped to Ireland from the USA in only 3 weeks and I was delighted with the service provided. This book has helped me greatly in the preparation for an examination, that I am taking in the new year, for my MSc in Computer Science.

Good book, ordered for a gift. Arrived in perfect condition.

Difficult book to get through but by page 50 felt much smarter and by page 67 I saw the light at the end of the tunnel.

Livre parfait pour des étudiants en informatique théorique.Très complet, les exemples sont clairs et bien choisis.Largement assez complet pour que je n'ai pas besoin de la 2 ou 3e édition (beaucoup plus chères..).

Per me che studio informatica teorica all'università, questo credo sia uno dei migliori libri in assoluto scritti sull'argomento. Il libro evita particolari tecnicismi, e questo lo rende facilmente leggibile anche da chi è poco pratico dell'inglese. Spiegato bene e pieno di esempi e solzioni. Certo non è un libro leggero ma la materia è veramente pesante.Ottimo acquisto

Introduction to the Theory of Computation ist eines der besten Bücher über theoretische Informatik. Der Stil ist so locker und leicht gehalten das man endlich sein Schulenglisch wieder benutzen kann und weiß wofür man die Stunden denn nun hatte.Mathematisch wird bei „Adam und Eva" angefangen und der Leser wird quasi an die Hand genommen. Der Effekt dieser Art von Buch ist - dass ein an sich nicht gerade überwältigendes Thema so aufbereitet wird - , dass es jeder lesen sollte der sich mit Computern bzw. mit Programmierung beschäftigen will - weil es kreativ ist - oder muss - um damit Geld zu verdienen. Viele Abbildungen und kurze Kapitel sowie Beispiele in Hülle und Fülle verleiten den Interessierten dazu immer mehr wissen bzw. entdecken zu wollen.Leider scheint dieses Buch gänzlich den üblichen Lehrern an Gewerbeschulen unbekannt zu sein, denn eine Nebenlektüre könnte manches vom Sinn her kryptisches Tafelbild entschlüsseln, schade eigentlich für die Schüler.Ich gebe die volle Sternzahl da der Einband sehr gepflegt aufgemacht ist und sehr gut zum Stil des Inhalts passt: Wertvoll unterhaltsam und nicht langweilig. Einen Nachteil hat der Schreibstil des Autors: Einmal damit angefangen fällt es einem schwer das Buch aus der Hand zu legen.