With the arrival of genomics and genome sequencing projects, biology has been transformed into an incredibly data-rich science. The vast amount of information generated has made computational analysis critical and has increased demand for skilled bioinformaticians. Designed for biologists without previous programming experience, this textbook provides a hands-on introduction to Unix, Perl and other tools used in sequence bioinformatics. Relevant biological topics are used throughout the book and are combined with practical bioinformatics examples, leading students through the process from biological problem to computational solution. All of the Perl scripts, sequence and database files used in the book are available for download at the accompanying website, allowing the reader to easily follow each example using their own computer. Programming examples are kept at an introductory level, avoiding complex mathematics that students often find daunting. The book demonstrates that even simple programs can provide powerful solutions to many complex bioinformatics problems.

'The book provides a lively and accessible introduction to current research in the life sciences, and it does so in a succinct way by grounding the explanations with simple algorithms expressed in Perl code. As such, the book can be very useful to a general science audience, particularly those with a computer science background, whether established researchers or undergraduate students. The writing is inspiring and engaging, and the inclusion of Perl code makes it easy for readers to apply the knowledge and observe the outcomes.'

Sara Kalvala Source: Computing Reviews