This book aims to provide an introduction to computer science as an intellectually rich and vibrant field rather than focusing exclusively on computer programming. While programming is an important and pervasive element of the approach, this book emphasizes concepts and problem-solving over syntax and programming language features.
This book is a companion to the course “CS for All” developed at Harvey Mudd College and subsequently adopted at a variety of colleges and universities. At Mudd, this course is taken by almost every first-year student—irrespective of the student’s ultimate major—as part of the college’s core curriculum. The offering is also taken by many students at the Claremont Colleges, including students majoring in the humanities, social sciences, and the arts. Thus, it serves as a first computing course for students regardless of their major.
