"Simulation with Cellular" provides a project-based hands-on introduction to programming that we hope you will enjoy as much as we enjoyed developing it. This book, and the series to which it belongs, were born from the conviction that your first steps in programming can be easy and exciting rather than dull and difficult.
It is for you if:
• you are looking for a fun and enjoyable introduction to programming
• you are a teacher looking for classroom materials to teach an engaging introduction to computing
• you are interested in the fundamentals of programming, but concerned about the technical complexity of most programming languages
• you want to understand programming, but are worried that it is too hard (it isn't!)
• you want to take your first steps in computer simulation
We use a project-based approach that takes you on a guided tour of discovering the principles of programming. The book contains a series of video tutorials that lead you through increasingly challenging simulation projects and teach you the knowledge required to master these. Interactive online forums tied into the book enable you to collaborate with other students world-wide.
You get to construct and explore computer simulations of a variety of natural and social phenomena, such as the behaviour of bacteria, the spread of wildfires, and urban settlement. Along the way you will also find out what all these things have in common, and most importantly you will learn the fundamentals of programming.
Unlike most programming introductions that use overwhelmingly complex industrial strength programming languages, such as Java, C, or Python, we use the special educational programming language BYOB. This instead allows you to focus fully on the fundamental conceptual aspects of programming.
To read more about the three books in this series and to obtain the software that you will need to undertake the projects in this book, please visit http://monash-blockbooks.appspot.com. The materials in these books are currently in use at a number of schools and universities throughout Australia.
If you like the idea of a project-based introduction to programming but prefer projects in robotics, have a look at the companion volume "Robotics with Enchanting". If your interest lies in computer art, try "Generative Art with Scribble". You can start your journey into programming with any of the books in this series.
