D and Programming Theory (Suggestions?)

[Justin Whear]

Here's a classic: 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Structure_and_Interpretation_of_Computer_Programs

A video series by the authors (from the 80s I believe) was recently made 
freely available and I found it really fascinating though I was already 
familiar with the content. Highly recommended: 
http://groups.csail.mit.edu/mac/classes/6.001/abelson-sussman-lectures/

The use of Lisp might be turn-off for you, but pretty much everything is of 
use in making you a better programmer. Also, some of the later videos get 
into issues like compilation, register machines, etc. which will give you 
some insight into how programming languages make computers work.

Justin


Louis wrote:

> Dear Friends,
> 
> Here is the QUESTION:
> 
> Does anyone know of any good books that talk about how computers work
> abstractly enough to be a solid cross language foundation?
> 
> To put this question another way, I REALLY want to actually understand
> "The D
> Programming Language" by Andrei Alexandrescu.  I understand enough of it
> to be really excited about D, but not enough to start really programming
> with it.
> 
> EXPLANATION:
> 
> I'm new to systems language programming, although I have attempted to
> self-learn C++ a few times.
> 
> I had been looking over C, C++ and C#, and there is a tremendous amount of
> information about those languages available, but on a whim I decided to
> search and see if there was actually a "D" programming language.
> 
> Not only did I find "D", but I also found out that it's a relatively new
> language, and it appears to be cutting edge.  From what little knowledge I
> have about C++ programming, I can already see some serious advantages of
> putting time and effort into learning D because I think in the long run,
> it
> will be worth the effort.  Not to mention that "D" appears to have "fixed"
> some really complex, and potentially dangerous issues with C++ - issues
> that are over my head at the moment - but clearly stated enough that even
> a noob like me can see some ugly problems coming at me with C++ over the
> long haul. (Yes, I have crashed windows with bad C++ before).
> 
> I bought "The D Programming Language" and have been fascinated by it even
> though a lot of it is way over my head.
> 
> As I am pouring over my C++ books and my D book it has become painfully
> obvious to me that while the syntax of language(s) are unique and
> important, what is far more important is understanding the computer
> theories underlying
> the code.  Things like understanding linear programming, OOP, functional
> programming etc.  Also, things like understanding how a computer works
> internally and how that relates to language (and compilation...).
> 
> I have made the mistake of trying to understand how a language works
> through learning its syntax as defining function rather than understanding
> how
> function dictates syntax.  With a new language like D with few books
> written on it (actually 2 as far as I can see) it's difficult for a
> newcomer like me just to jump in.
> 
> There is no "Beginning D" or "D For Dummies" yet.
> 
> I'm a quick study if I can find a few good books, and that's what I am
> looking for.
> 
> Thanks!