SICP OpenCourse 1 : L1A Overview

SICP OpenCourse (Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs)

1.Purpose of this course : Techniques for controlling complexity.

- Black-box Abstraction

- Conventional Interfaces

- Meta-liguistic Abstraction

2.Computer Science

- How to formalize intuitions about process

- "How-to" not "What is"

3.What is a PROCESS in general?

- Like a magical spirit living in computer

4.What is a PROCEDURE?

- That directs a PROCESS is a pattern of rules called a PROCEDURE

- PROCEDURES are the spells.

- If you understand  PL, you will have a spirit can help you to do something.

5.What is the complexity

- There are two different complexity ,  one is Abstract Engineering , the Other is Physical Engineering.

- Constrains of Abstract Complexity is human mind limitation. And Other's is Physical limitation.

6.Language Elements 

- Primitive elements

    eg: + * < = 23 1.7

- Means of combination

    eg: () COND IF    

- Means of abstraction

    eg: DEFINE

7.Summary

The purpose of CS is controlling complexity.

So, Understanding and Feeling complexity is very important.

Entropy is the Common perspective. Control complexity is to do Entropy Reduction which is the actually real purpose of our Universe.

The abstract thought is SEPARATE AND CONNECT.