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The Annotated Turing

A Guided Tour Through Alan Turing's Historic Paper on Computability and the Turing Machine
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( 1,166 ratings, 91 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Annotated Turing by Charles Petzold explores the groundbreaking work of Alan Turing in computing science, demystifying his seminal 1936 paper on computability and introducing the concept of the universal machine. The book provides historical context and lucid commentary, making complex ideas accessible while celebrating Turing's contributions to the world of technology.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate a deep dive into the history of computer science, especially if you're fascinated by Alan Turing's groundbreaking work. This book offers a detailed exploration of Turing's original ideas, breaking down complex concepts in a way that's accessible and enlightening for both tech enthusiasts and those new to the field.

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Before digital computers ever existed, Alan Turing envisioned their power and versatility. but also proved what computers could never do.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Programming Legend Charles Petzold unlocks the secrets of the extraordinary and prescient 1936 paper by Alan M. Turing.

Mathematician Alan Turing invented an imaginary computer known as the Turing Machine; in an age before computers, he explored the concept of what it meant to be computable, creating the field of computability theory in the process, a foundation of present-day computer programming.

The Annotated Turing expands Turing’s original 36-page paper with additional background chapters and extensive annotations. The author elaborates on and clarifies many of Turing’s statements, making the original difficult-to-read document accessible to present-day programmers, computer science majors, math geeks, and others.

Interwoven into the narrative are the highlights of Turing’s own life: his years at Cambridge and Princeton, his secret work in cryptanalysis during World War II, his involvement in seminal computer projects, his speculations about artificial intelligence, his arrest and prosecution for the crime of "gross indecency," and his early death by apparent suicide at the age of 41.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Annotated Turing by Charles Petzold is praised for its insightful and accessible exploration of Alan Turing's groundbreaking work on computability and the Turing machine. Reviewers appreciate Petzold's clarity in explaining complex concepts and his ability to contextualise Turing's ideas within their historical and mathematical backdrop. The book is highly recommended for those interested in the foundations of computer science and Turing's lasting impact on the field.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780470229057

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 13 June 2008

Country: United States

Imprint: John Wiley & Sons Inc

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 226.0mm

Weight: 408g

Pages: 384

About the Author

English mathematician Alan Turing (1912–1954) is the author of the 1936 paper "On Computable Numbers, with an Application to the Entscheidungsproblem" that introduced the imaginary computer called the Turing Machine for understanding the nature and limitations of computing. His famous 1950 article "Computing Machinery and Intelligence" introduced the Turing Test for gauging artificial intelligence.

American writer Charles Petzold (1953–) is the author of the acclaimed 1999 book Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software, a unique exploration into the digital technologies of computers. He is also the author of hundreds of articles about computer programming, as well as several books on writing programs that run under Microsoft Windows. His Web site is www.charlespetzold.com.

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