Book

Computer Interfacing with Pascal & C

📖 Overview

Computer Interfacing with Pascal & C provides instruction on hardware interfacing techniques using two prominent programming languages of the 1980s. The book covers both theoretical foundations and practical implementations for connecting computers with external devices and systems. The text progresses from basic digital electronics concepts through increasingly complex interfacing scenarios and protocols. Each chapter contains worked examples in both Pascal and C, allowing readers to implement solutions in their language of choice. Topics include parallel and serial communications, interrupt handling, A/D conversion, and real-time control applications. Technical diagrams, circuit schematics, and code listings support the material throughout. The book represents an early bridge between high-level programming and low-level hardware control, highlighting the emerging importance of software-hardware integration in computing systems. Its dual-language approach demonstrates the universal principles of interfacing across different programming environments.

👀 Reviews

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Bruce Eckel's overall work: Readers consistently note Eckel's ability to explain complex programming concepts through clear examples and progressive learning steps. His books connect theoretical foundations to practical applications. What readers liked: - Step-by-step explanations with concrete code examples - Deep technical accuracy while remaining accessible - Comprehensive coverage of language features - Exercises that reinforce concepts What readers disliked: - Some found later chapters too dense - Code examples occasionally outdated - Books' length intimidating for beginners - Certain topics needed more real-world context Ratings across platforms: Amazon: "Thinking in Java" 4.5/5 from 400+ reviews Goodreads: "Thinking in Java" 4.2/5 from 2,000+ ratings "Thinking in C++" 4.3/5 from 900+ ratings Reader quote: "Eckel doesn't just show you syntax, he explains the 'why' behind language decisions and helps you think like a programmer" - Amazon reviewer Critical quote: "Great depth but can be overwhelming. Not for absolute beginners looking for quick results." - Goodreads review

📚 Similar books

Programming Interface Systems by Bruce W. Sams This book provides step-by-step instructions for hardware interfacing across multiple programming languages with focus on microcontrollers and device protocols.

PC Interfacing Using Centronic, RS232 and Game Ports by Pei An The text presents practical implementations of parallel and serial communication protocols with hardware connection diagrams and code examples.

Microcomputer Interfacing by Harold S Stone This work covers fundamental concepts of digital interfacing, memory systems, and peripheral devices with code samples in assembly language.

Serial Port Complete by Jan Axelson The book details RS-232 and USB interfacing techniques with source code examples for developing communication applications between computers and devices.

The Art of Computer Systems Performance Analysis by Raj Jain This text explains measurement techniques and analytical tools for evaluating computer-to-device interfaces and system performance.

🤔 Interesting facts

🔸 Bruce Eckel later became famous for writing "Thinking in Java" and "Thinking in C++," which are considered programming classics and have been translated into multiple languages. 🔸 The book was published in 1988, during a crucial period when personal computers were becoming more prevalent in scientific and engineering applications. 🔸 Computer interfacing in the 1980s often involved writing directly to hardware ports and managing interrupts, tasks that modern programmers rarely need to handle directly due to operating system abstractions. 🔸 Pascal, one of the languages featured in the book, was specifically designed for teaching programming and was named after mathematician Blaise Pascal. 🔸 Bruce Eckel has been programming since 1971 and was an early advocate of simple, clean code design principles - concepts he taught in his books decades before "clean code" became a widespread movement in software development.