Computer Science 231 - Program Lang Paradigms

Fall
2012
01
4.00
John Rager

MWF 02:00PM-02:50PM

Amherst College
COSC-231-01-1213F
SMUD 207
jerager@amherst.edu

The main purpose of a programming language is to provide a natural way to express algorithms and computational structures. The meaning of “natural” here is controversial and has produced several distinct language paradigms; furthermore the languages themselves have shaped our understanding of the nature of computation and of human thought processes. We will explore some of these paradigms and discuss the major ideas underlying language design. Several languages will be introduced to illustrate ideas developed in the course. Topics will include functional programming, declarative programming, and programming for concurrency and distributed computing. Offered in alternate years.

Requisite: COSC 112.  Fall semester.  Professor Rager.

Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.