Building on his highly successful textbook on C++, David Yevick provides a concise yet comprehensive one-stop course in three key programming languages, C++, Java and Octave (a freeware alternative to MATLAB). Employing only public-domain software, this book presents a unique overview of numerical and programming techniques, including object-oriented programming, elementary and advanced topics in numerical analysis, physical system modelling, scientific graphics, software engineering and performance issues. Compact, transparent code in all three programming languages is applied to the fundamental equations of quantum mechanics, electromagnetics, mechanics and statistical mechanics. Uncommented versions of the code that can be immediately modified and adapted are provided online for the more involved programs. This compact, practical text is an invaluable introduction for students in all undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in the physical sciences or engineering that require numerical modelling, and also a key reference for instructors and scientific programmers.

'… a very valuable, comprehensive reference for users of public domain key programming languages. Undergraduate and graduate students in physical sciences and engineering and working scientists will benefit from this short course on computational science.'

Axel Mainzer Koenig Source: Optics and Photonics News (osa-opn.org)

'I recommend this book as a fine all-in-one package of essentials for those who use computation in their scientific or engineering endeavors.'

George Hacken Source: Computing Reviews