Theoretical Computer Science - clear, concise, and practical. Theoretical computer science deals with the fundamental questions of computability and the structure of languages. It investigates which problems can be solved algorithmically, which models are needed for that, and what the limits of computation are. This book guides you step by step through the foundations of formal languages, computability, and automata theory. You will learn the most important models - from finite automata through pushdown automata and context-free grammars to the Turing machine. You will not only understand the formal constructions, but also the proof techniques used to establish properties of languages and to identify the boundaries of what is computable. Complex concepts such as the Pumping Lemma, the Myhill-Nerode theorem, diagonalization, and Rice's theorem are explained clearly and intuitively. Numerous figures, examples, and exercises with worked solutions illustrate the theory and secure learning outcomes. The chapters are modular and pedagogically arranged so you can either pick topics selectively or work through them step by step. Proofs are given in full while intuition and practical relevance are emphasized. The result is a solid, readable introduction to one of computer science's central fields - ideal for students, instructors, and anyone who wants not only to understand theoretical computer science but to apply it.
