The goals, overall structure, and approach of this tenth edition of Concepts
of Programming Languages remain the same as those of the nine earlier
editions. The principal goals are to introduce the main constructs
of contemporary programming languages and to provide the reader with the
tools necessary for the critical evaluation of existing and future programming
languages. A secondary goal is to prepare the reader for the study of compiler
design, by providing an in-depth discussion of programming language
structures, presenting a formal method of describing syntax and introducing
approaches to lexical and syntatic analysis.
For undergraduate students in Computer Science and Computer Programming courses.
Now in its Tenth Edition, Concepts of Programming Languages introduces students to the main constructs of contemporary programming languages and provides the tools needed to critically evaluate existing and future programming languages. Readers gain a solid foundation for understanding the fundamental concepts of programming languages through the author's presentation of design issues for various language constructs, the examination of the design choices for these constructs in some of the most common languages, and critical comparison of the design alternatives. In addition, Sebesta strives to prepare the reader for the study of compiler design by providing an in-depth discussion of programming language structures, presenting a formal method of describing syntax, and introducing approaches to lexical and syntactic analysis.