How to Design Programs, second edition: An Introduction to Programming and Computing (Mit Press)

"How to Design Programs: An Introduction to Programming and Computing" is a book that aims to teach programming and computing using the Racket language. The book follows a design recipe and covers various programming concepts. Opinions on this book are quite divided. Some readers feel that it is a terrible book, especially for beginners. They find the lessons to be unclear and confusing, making it difficult to progress. These readers suggest exploring other beginner-friendly books that focus on languages like Common Lisp or even learning Python instead. On the other hand, there are readers who praise the book for its comprehensive explanation of programming language mechanics. They appreciate how the book understands the reader's thought process and provides answers to questions that arise. These readers believe that the book is a must-read for understanding the underlying principles of programming languages and learning Scheme. One positive aspect of the book is that it includes interesting and engaging exercises, particularly in creating simple games using Racket. Readers also appreciate the functional API and the opportunity to work with moving sprites. However, one major criticism of this book is the lack of clear instructions and a missing answer key. Some readers find the instructions opaque and believe that understanding the author's intentions requires mind-reading abilities. Additionally, the absence of an answer key makes it challenging to check if exercises were done correctly, as finding answers online is difficult. In summary, "How to Design Programs: An Introduction to Programming and Computing" has mixed reception among readers. While some appreciate its comprehensive approach and engaging exercises, others find it confusing and lacking in clear instructions. The absence of an answer key also poses a challenge for self-study.