Limits of Computation: An Introduction to the Undecidable and the Intractable

Description:

Developed from the authors' course on computational complexity theory, this book offers a gentle introduction to the theory of computational complexity. It explains the difficulties of computation, addressing problems that have no algorithm at all and problems that cannot be solved efficiently. The text assumes no prior knowledge of automata, advanced algorithmic analysis, and formal languages. Each chapter presents the fundamentals, examples, complete proofs of theorems, and a wide range of exercises. PowerPoint slides are available for download at www.crcpress.com.

Review Quotes:

"... a very basic, reader friendly introduction to computational complexity theory. What sets their book apart from others on the topic is its leisurely pace. ... Because the book is so readable, it is likely that its primary audience will include students who experienced difficulties with other books on the topic. However, those students would probably benefit from more exercises than this volume provides, especially full solutions, at least for some exercises. ... Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates.
--M Bona, University of Florida in CHOICE Magazine, June 2013

"This excellent book on DSNs has a wealth of information for researchers, engineers, and scientists. It could be used as a textbook for graduate-level and doctoral courses on DSNs, and would also serve as a reference for engineers, scientists, and researchers working in this field."
--Computing Reviews, April 2013