Includes index.

Textbook that teaches students how to think about algorithms like an expert, without getting bogged down in formal proof. This book presents insights, notations, and analogies to help the novice describe and think about algorithms like an expert. Jeff Edmonds provides both the big picture and easy step-by-step methods for developing algorithms, while avoiding the common pitfalls. Paradigms such as loop invariants and recursion help to unify a huge range of algorithms into a few meta-algorithms. Part of the goal is to teach the students to think abstractly.--Jacket. Understand algorithms and their design with this revised student-friendly textbook. Unlike other algorithms books, this one is approachable, the methods it explains are straightforward, and the insights it provides are numerous and valuable. Without grinding through lots of formal proof, students will benefit from step-by-step methods for developing algorithms, expert guidance on common pitfalls, and an appreciation of the bigger picture. Revised and updated, this second edition includes a new chapter on machine learning algorithms, and concise key concept summaries at the end of each part for quick reference. Also new to this edition are more than 150 new exercises: selected solutions are included to let students check their progress, while a full solutions manual is available online for instructors. No other text explains complex topics such as loop invariants as clearly, helping students to think abstractly and preparing them for creating their own innovative ways to solve problems. The second edition of this student-friendly textbook now includes over 150 new exercises, key concept summaries and a chapter on machine learning algorithms. Its approachability and clarity make it ideal as both a main course text or as a supplementary book for students who find other books challenging-- Provided by publisher. This textbook, for second- or third-year students of computer science, presents insights, notations, and analogies to help them describe and think about algorithms like an expert, without grinding through lots of formal proof. Solutions to many problems are provided to let students check their progress, while class-tested PowerPoint slides are on the web for anyone running the course. By looking at both the big picture and easy step-by-step methods for developing algorithms, the author guides students around the common pitfalls. He stresses paradigms such as loop invariants and recursion to unify a huge range of algorithms into a few meta-algorithms. The book fosters a deeper understanding of how and why each algorithm works. These insights are presented in a careful and clear way, helping students to think abstractly and preparing them for creating their own innovative ways to solve problems.