"Many novice programmers face the same difficulty: struggling to grasp programming logic without becoming bogged down with language syntax concepts. With its language-neutral format, Prelude to Programming: Concepts and Design, Fourth Edition addresses this perennial issue, giving beginners the balanced, language-independent framework they need to learn both core programming concepts and effective design techniques." "The fully revised Fourth Edition supplies a lively and accessible presentation for learning these core programming concepts - including data types, control structures, data files and arrays - and program design techniques - such as top-down modular design and proper program documentation and style. Students develop problem-solving skills by learning how to use basic programming tools and algorithms, including data validation, defensive programming, calculating sums and averages, and searching and sorting lists."--BOOK JACKET.