This book explains how to formally describe programming languages using the techniques of denotational semantics. The presentation is designed primarily for computer science students rather than for (say) mathematicians. No knowledge of the theory of computation is required, but it would help to have some acquaintance with high level programming languages. The selection of material is based on an undergraduate semantics course taught at Edinburgh University for the last few years. Enough descriptive techniques are covered to handle all of ALGOL 50, PASCAL and other similar languages. Denotational semantics combines a powerful and lucid descriptive notation (due mainly to Strachey) with an elegant and rigorous theory (due to Scott). This book provides an introduction to the descriptive techniques without going into the background mathematics at all. In some ways this is very unsatisfactory; reliable reasoning about semantics (e. g. correctness proofs) cannot be done without knowing the underlying model and so learning semantic notation without its model theory could be argued to be pointless. My own feeling is that there is plenty to be gained from acquiring a purely intuitive understanding of semantic concepts together with manipulative competence in the notation. For these equip one with a powerful conceptua1 framework-a framework enabling one to visualize languages and constructs in an elegant and machine-independent way. Perhaps a good analogy is with calculus: for many practical purposes (e. g. engineering calculations) an intuitive understanding of how to differentiate and integrate is all that is needed.

Product Description: This bestselling guide to one of the most popular subjects in photography is now better than ever, with thoroughly updated information and dozens of striking new images. Expert nature and landscape photographer Rob Sheppard provides invaluable results-oriented techniques and real-world insights on everything from how to find plants and animals to choosing lens filters, utilizing the beauty in existing light, and creating drama and tonal contrast in your pictures...read more

Product Description: A visual guide to getting the most out of Photoshop Elements 10 If you understand the basics of Photoshop Elements, you'll love this collection of 100 must-know tips and tricks. Two-page tutorials, full-color screen shots, and step-by-step instructions make it easy to see and follow the directions, helping you to get the very most from this top-selling image-editing software...read more

Epson is the company at the cutting edge of quality digital photo printing, and their superb equipment makes it possible for everyone to print sparkling photographs at home. With the help of Rob Sheppard, editor of Outdoor Photographer and PCPhoto magazines, amateurs can enter Epson’s brave new world with all the latest information.  This latest edition of the Epson guide reflects the increasing sophistication of ink jet printing, with its faster speed and better tonal and color reproduction. It helps today’s photographers select a model that has the right features, choose from the new options of quality papers and inks, and succeed in creating excellent prints—and have fun while doing it.  Sheppard passes on valuable knowledge on developing a consistent workflow, sizing and sharpening images properly, making black-and-white and panoramic prints, and much more. To complete the picture: the guide includes gallery sections from well-known photographers who are all Epson spokespeople and users.

Product Description: Scenic photography is a perennially popular subject--and no one is better than Rob Sheppard, long-time editor of Outdoor Photographer, to help photographers master the art of shooting landscapes. In the tradition of Sheppard's bestselling The Magic of Digital Nature Photography, this book covers everything from cameras and lenses to tools and techniques, all interpreted from the landscape photographer's perspective...read more

Product Description: Completely updated to cover the latest digital cameras and their functions The field of digital photography is steadily becoming an increasingly popular and exciting hobby and profession. These days, just about anyone can take beautiful photographs after having learned the right techniques and gaining a solid editing know-how...read more

Product Description: Shortcuts, tricks, and tips to make you even more productive with Mac OS X Snow Leopard Nearly 75 million people are using Mac OS X. If you're one of them, and you're looking for useful and surprising techniques presented in an easy-to-follow visual format, Mac OS X Snow Leopard Visual Quick Tips has just what you need...read more

Product Description: - This is a highly-anticipated addition to Canon's advanced amateur lineup, with outstanding features that are the highest in the DSLR class - This guide is indispensable for photographers who want to take full advantage of all this impressive new model has to offer