Numerical Methods with Pharo
✒️ By Didier Besset, Stéphane Ducasse, Serge Stinckwich
Numerical Methods with Pharo is a hands-on introduction for object-oriented programmers who want to implement numerical algorithms in real-world applications. It focuses on showing how mathematical concepts can be mapped directly into code using the Pharo language. The book offers step-by-step explanations, practical examples, and reusable codeall under a friendly open-source license.
Book Description
Ever wondered how to bridge the gap between math and code? Numerical Methods with Pharo is that rare gem that makes complex numerical algorithms approachableeven funfor object-oriented programmers. This book dives deep into implementing tried-and-true numerical methods using Pharo, a modern Smalltalk environment. It’s not just theory; it’s packed with practical code and real-life examples. The authors, Didier Besset, Stéphane Ducasse, and Serge Stinckwich, have poured their years of experience into a resource that’s both thorough and refreshingly readable. Plus, it’s open source and free to downloadwhat’s not to love?
Book Overview
Let’s face it: most books on numerical methods can feel like wading through molasses. Not this one! The authors cut through the jargon to show how you can implement essential algorithms in a clean, object-oriented way. From floating-point quirks to interpolation and integration, each chapter builds your confidence. You’ll find class diagrams, code snippets, and usage tips scattered throughout. And if you like practical learning (who doesn’t?), you’ll appreciate how every algorithm is paired with real-life examplesnot just contrived textbook cases. If you’ve ever peeked at Financial Numerical Recipes in C++ and wished for something more Smalltalk-friendly, this book delivers.
Why Read This Book
Why should you care about Numerical Methods with Pharo? For starters, it’s not just another dry academic text. The authors make sure you get the “why” behind each algorithmand the “how” for bringing it to life in code. You’ll see where rounding errors sneak in (and how to outsmart them), get wisdom from programming legends, and even enjoy some personal anecdotes along the way. If you’re tired of books that treat math like an exclusive club, you’ll find this one refreshingly open-door. And hey, it’s awesome for anyone who loves open-source learning.
Who This Book Is For
If you’re an object-oriented programmer itching to tackle numerical problemsor maybe you’re just curious about applying math in your software projectsthis book is your perfect sidekick. It’s especially helpful if you already have some coding chops but want to see how mathematical concepts translate into objects and classes. Whether you’re working in finance, science, or just love elegant code, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by traditional math books or wanted something more hands-on than Financial Numerical Recipes in C++, this is your ticket.
What You Will Learn
- The basics of floating-point representation and how rounding errors can trip you up (and how to deal with them)
- How to map mathematical concepts directly onto object-oriented code structures
- Step-by-step guides for implementing polynomials, interpolation methods (like Lagrange and Newton), and iterative algorithms in Pharo
- Practical approaches for finding zeros of functions using bisection and Newton’s method
- Integration techniques including trapezoidal and Simpson’s ruleall with working code examples
- Tons of real-life scenarios where these algorithms shine (not just in theory!)
- Open-source resources for further explorationbecause why stop here?
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.