Set Lonnert

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From code to computation

If you've written code and wrestled with algorithms, you know the satisfaction of making a machine do exactly what you tell it. But something fundamental is shifting in how we work with computers, and the best way to understand that shift is to build your way through it.

This book explores computation's evolution from predictable algorithms to adaptive systems through hands-on projects that demand both technical skill and conceptual understanding. You won't just read about virtual machines or language models. You'll implement them, experiment with them, and develop intuition about when each approach makes sense. Each project builds on the last, creating a learning journey from mechanical precision to fluid reasoning.

The project-based approach means you'll spend more time building than reading, more time experimenting than memorizing. You'll encounter challenges that require creative problem-solving, debug systems that behave in unexpected ways, and gradually develop the kind of judgment that only comes from direct engagement with computational systems. The book assumes working knowledge of Python and C at an intermediate level, along with familiarity with basic computer science concepts, but the real prerequisite is willingness to learn through making.

If you're ready to expand beyond writing code to reasoning about systems (and to do so by building rather than just studying), this book is your guide.