This book presents over 140 articles on various aspects of coding and programming. The articles range from the strictly technical to general discussions of human psychology. Not all are free from controversy. Nor will reading of all the articles make one an expert on any branch of computer science. Nonetheless, the articles provide a snapshot of the current state of this rapidly changing field of human endeavor, one so rapidly changing that a bright high school student’s contribution may have more impact than that of a Ph.D. Indeed, many of the most successful workers in this area have interrupted their formal education so that they could devote all their youthful energy to it. The only promise that can be made to the reader is that changes are taking place and that the pace of innovation is not slowing down.

Computer science generally refers to the body of knowledge that allows humans to use mechanical aids to do mathematical calculations very efficiently. While the term computer originally referred to a human who was able to do simple arithmetic quickly and accurately, the name has been transferred to programmable automata, which are able to do the same thousands to billions of times faster. Clearly computer science is in the midst of a revolution of its own making. It is not possible to predict where or when things will “settle down,” or if they ever actually will. Nonetheless, a few outcomes are already clear: Information will become more and more available and there will be an increased need for professionals in the great many fields impacted by the advances described here. If this volume helps you to see even a bit more clearly through the maze of opportunity, it has been well worth the effort of the publisher to bring it together.