Introduction to Computing with PASCAL

This textbook has been designed for sixth form students and undergraduates who require an introduction to computer languages in general and the PASCAL language in particular. A simple model of computing is used to describe the meaning of a programming language and this framework is used to develop PASCAL from the simplest constructions through to recursion and pointers. Programming methodology is treated from a structured but informal viewpoint, and the modular approach is stressed throughout. In parallel with the development of PASCAL, the book introduces topics of general interest in computing such as algorithms and their efficiency, searching and sorting, termination and verification of programs and abstract data types. Each section contains exercises for the student and at the end of each chapter there are suggestions for practical work. The intention is to lead the student naturally to more advanced studies of computing, without having to unlearn anything contained in this book.