Biermann presents the fundamental ideas of computer science, which collectively constitute the core of this field, summarizing a large volume of complex concepts in a user-friendly and understandable format. In the treatment of programming, for example, only a small set of Pascal features are developed, and all programs are limited to these structures. However, most of the important elements of programming can be learned within these constraints. Subsequently, the reader is able, based on this programming knowledge, to understand concepts related to compilation, operating systems, complexity theory, unsolvability, and other issues.