Automata and natural language theory are topics lying at the heart of computer science. Both are linked to computational complexity and together, these disciplines help define the parameters of what constitutes a computer, the structure of programs, which problems are solvable by computers, and a range of other crucial aspects of the practice of computer science. In this important volume, two respected authors/editors in the field offer accessible, practice-oriented coverage of these issues with an emphasis on refining core problem solving skills.

This classic book on formal languages, automata theory, and computational complexity has been updated to present theoretical concepts in a concise and straightforward manner with the increase of hands-on, practical applications. This new edition comes with Gradiance, an online assessment tool developed for computer science. Please note, Gradiance is no longer available with this book, as we no longer support this product.

An Introduction to Formal Languages & Automata provides an excellent presentation of the material that is essential to an introductory theory of computation course. The text was designed to familiarize students with the foundations & principles of computer science & to strengthen the students' ability to carry out formal & rigorous mathematical argument. Employing a problem-solving approach, the text provides students insight into the course material by stressing intuitive motivation & illustration of ideas through straightforward explanations & solid mathematical proofs. By emphasizing learning through problem solving, students learn the material primarily through problem-type illustrative examples that show the motivation behind the concepts, as well as their connection to the theorems & definitions.

For upper level courses on Automata. Combining classic theory with unique applications, this crisp narrative is supported by abundant examples and clarifies key concepts by introducing important uses of techniques in real systems. Broad-ranging coverage allows instructors to easily customise course material to fit their unique requirements.

Formal languages and automata theory is the study of abstract machines and how these can be used for solving problems. The book has a simple and exhaustive approach to topics like automata theory, formal languages and theory of computation. These descriptions are followed by numerous relevant examples related to the topic. A brief introductory chapter on compilers explaining its relation to theory of computation is also given.

This introductory text covers the key areas of computer science, including recursive function theory, formal languages, and automata. Additions to the second edition include: extended exercise sets, which vary in difficulty; expanded section on recursion theory; new chapters on program verification and logic programming; updated references and examples throughout.

Computational complexity is one of the most beautiful fields of modern mathematics, and it is increasingly relevant to other sciences ranging from physics to biology. But this beauty is often buried underneath layers of unnecessary formalism, and exciting recent results like interactive proofs, phase transitions, and quantum computing are usually considered too advanced for the typical student. This book bridges these gaps by explaining the deep ideas of theoretical computer science in a clear and enjoyable fashion, making them accessible to non-computer scientists and to computer scientists who finally want to appreciate their field from a new point of view. The authors start with a lucid and playful explanation of the P vs. NP problem, explaining why it is so fundamental, and so hard to resolve. They then lead the reader through the complexity of mazes and games; optimization in theory and practice; randomized algorithms, interactive proofs, and pseudorandomness; Markov chains and phase transitions; and the outer reaches of quantum computing. At every turn, they use a minimum of formalism, providing explanations that are both deep and accessible. The book is intended for graduate and undergraduate students, scientists from other areas who have long wanted to understand this subject, and experts who want to fall in love with this field all over again.

This text strikes a good balance between rigor and an intuitive approach to computer theory. Covers all the topics needed by computer scientists with a sometimes humorous approach that reviewers found "refreshing". It is easy to read and the coverage of mathematics is fairly simple so readers do not have to worry about proving theorems.

This Third Edition, in response to the enthusiastic reception given by academia and students to the previous edition, offers a cohesive presentation of all aspects of theoretical computer science, namely automata, formal languages, computability, and complexity. Besides, it includes coverage of mathematical preliminaries. NEW TO THIS EDITION • Expanded sections on pigeonhole principle and the principle of induction (both in Chapter 2) • A rigorous proof of Kleene’s theorem (Chapter 5) • Major changes in the chapter on Turing machines (TMs) – A new section on high-level description of TMs – Techniques for the construction of TMs – Multitape TM and nondeterministic TM • A new chapter (Chapter 10) on decidability and recursively enumerable languages • A new chapter (Chapter 12) on complexity theory and NP-complete problems • A section on quantum computation in Chapter 12. • KEY FEATURES • Objective-type questions in each chapter—with answers provided at the end of the book. • Eighty-three additional solved examples—added as Supplementary Examples in each chapter. • Detailed solutions at the end of the book to chapter-end exercises. The book is designed to meet the needs of the undergraduate and postgraduate students of computer science and engineering as well as those of the students offering courses in computer applications.

New and classical results in computational complexity, including interactive proofs, PCP, derandomization, and quantum computation. Ideal for graduate students.