Dr. Ecco's cyberpuzzles - Dennis Elliott Shasha

Whether you're a programming genius or a logical wizard, this book of puzzles will challenge you well into the night. In the tradition of Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Ecco is one of the greatest sleuths of our time, a mathematical wizard who uses logic and computer programming to solve crimes, find treasures, and explore space. Invented by Dennis E. Shasha, Dr. Ecco first appeared in 1988 as the brilliant mathematical investigator in The Puzzling Adventures of Dr. Ecco, and more recently as the unstumpable gumshoe in Dr. Dobb's Journal. Dr. Ecco's Cyberpuzzles is the latest work to record the exploits and misadventures of this renowned PI. The puzzles collected here require no formal background beyond arithmetic and elementary algebrajust lively curiosity and keen intelligence. With 36 illustrated cases organized around eight major mathematical themes (from "Combinatorial Geometry and Geography" to "Ciphers and Secrecy"), this book will encourage you to use your mind and your computer in ways you never previously imagined. 50 b/w line drawings.