Learning Resources
This module is populated from the local chunked books in library/raw/semester-00-orientation/books. Use this page as a source map, not as a reading dump.
Source Stack
| Book | Role | How to use it in this module |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Distilled | Primary teaching support | Default escalation for broad CS framing, strategy families, data abstractions, storage models, machine layers, and paradigms |
| Grokking Algorithms | Selective support | Use only when you want a simpler companion example for growth, data-shape tradeoffs, or graph search |
| Clean Code | Not used directly here | Save for Module 3 |
Resource Map by Cluster
Cluster 1: Models and Growth
| Need | Best local chunk | Why |
|---|---|---|
| why CS starts with representation | 1.1 Ideas | Best first framing for models and procedures |
| logical structure and valid reasoning | 1.2 Logic (Part 1) | Good support when the reasoning language feels loose |
| dominant growth and exponentials | 2.1 Counting Time / The Big-O Notation / Exponentials | Best first chunk for feasibility reasoning |
| memory as a constraint | 2.4 Counting Memory | Good support when feasibility needs a space lens too |
Cluster 2: Strategy, Data, and Storage
| Need | Best local chunk | Why |
|---|---|---|
| brute force and pruning | 3.3 Brute Force / Backtracking | Best for recognizing search-shape signals |
| heuristic shortcuts | 3.5 Heuristics | Good follow-up when exactness is too expensive |
| ADT vs implementation | 4.1 Abstract Data Types | Best for separating interface from representation |
| common structures and their use | 4.2 Common Abstractions and 4.3 Structures (Part 1) | Best first pass on stacks, queues, maps, arrays, and lists |
| relational storage basics | 6.1 Relational (Part 1) | Best for schemas and relational shape |
| non-relational options | 6.2 Non-Relational | Best for beginner-level NoSQL framing |
| data exchange formats | 6.5 Serialization Formats | Best for bridging storage and communication |
Cluster 3: Execution and Expression
| Need | Best local chunk | Why |
|---|---|---|
| machine layers | 7.1 Architecture (Part 1) | Best first pass on the hardware picture |
| compilation | 7.2 Compilers (Part 1) | Best for source-to-machine translation framing |
| cache and RAM | 7.3 Memory Hierarchy (Part 1) | Best for layered-memory reasoning |
| scope, types, and paradigms | 8.2 Variables and 8.3 Paradigms | Best for language-as-thinking framing |
Exercise Support Chunks
Use these when the concept pages are understood but your map is still shaky:
- 2.1 Counting Time / The Big-O Notation / Exponentials
- 3.3 Brute Force / Backtracking
- 4.1 Abstract Data Types
- 7.2 Compilers (Part 1)
- 8.3 Paradigms
Use Rules
- If you are stuck on one fuzzy noun, open one chunk tied to that noun.
- If you cannot explain how layers connect, redraw the map before reading more.
- If you only need more reps, use the exercise lanes before opening optional material.