The Nature of Computation
Cristopher Moore earned a B.A. in Mathematics, Physics, and Integrated Science from Northwestern University with honors in 1986, when he was 18 years old. He has produced over 90 publications on issues spanning from undecidability in dynamical systems to quantum computing, phase transitions in NP-complete problems, and network analysis.
Stephan Mertens graduated from Georg-August University Gttingen with a diploma in physics in 1989 and a Ph.D. in physics in 1991. He worked in the software sector for three years after receiving his Ph.D. before joining the Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg faculty as a theoretical physicist. In statistical mechanics, his research focuses on disordered systems, average-case complexity of algorithms, and parallel computing.
Computational complexity is one of the most beautiful disciplines of modern mathematics, and it's becoming more and more relevant to other sciences like physics and biology. However, this beauty is frequently buried beneath layers of superfluous formalism, and exciting new achievements such as interactive proofs, cryptography, and quantum computing are often deemed too "difficult" to demonstrate to the average student. The goal of this book is to bridge both gaps by explaining theoretical computer science's complex ideas in a clear and fun manner, making them accessible to non-computer scientists as well as computer scientists who want to finally comprehend what their formalisms are saying them.
Starting with P and NP-completeness, The Nature of Computation provides a clear and entertaining treatment of the discipline. The authors explain why the P vs. NP debate is so important and difficult to resolve. They then take the reader through mazes and games, optimization in theory and practice, randomized algorithms, interactive proofs, and pseudo randomness, Markov chains and phase transitions, and quantum computing's furthest reaches.
Some reviews about this book: "A treasure trove of ideas, concepts, and information on algorithms and complexity theory. Serious material presented most delightfully!"; "A creative, insightful, and accessible introduction to the theory of computing, written with a keen eye toward the frontiers of the field and a vivid enthusiasm for the subject matter."
Authors: Cristopher Moore & Stephan Mertens
Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Cristopher-Moore/dp/0199233217/ref=sr_1_1?
