which book is good to learn the programming in Mathematica?

[liwen liwen]

Hi;
I want to buy a book about the programming in Mathematica, which book
is the best? I know many people bought <The Programming in
Mathematica>( author is Roman E Maeder), how about this book? I have
the basic knowledge of programming, but have not received the education
in this area systematically. Maybe my knowledge on the use of
Mathematica is of intermediate level, I hope there is a good book for
me to get more efficient education on programming. My another question
is the use of dialog box in Mathematica, is it possible to use dialog
box to input many parameters into Mathematica? Normally, dialog box can
help the users input and modify the data neccessary for the program. If
there is such function or books about this area, how can I find them?

Thanks.
Liwen

[Brian Higgins]

Liwen,

Maeder's book IS a good choice for learning the various programming
methods in Mathematica. Another good choice (though out of print-
check used book stores) is Wagner's book " Power programming with
Mathematica. The Kernel". Ruskeepaa's book "Mathematica Navigator
has lots of examples and students find it helpful to get started
before tackling the other two books. Actually working through the
examples posted on the forum is a excellent way to improve your
skills.

For your second question use the Input function. i.e. if you evaluate
the following cell

n = Input["enter value for n"]
a dialog box will appear which will allow you to enter a value for n.

Cheers

Brian

liwen liwen <gzg...@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:<a5htk9$ht1$1...@smc.vnet.net>...

[jose flanigan]

Mastering Mathematica : Programming Methods and Applications by John W.
Gray -- excellent discussions on useful aspects of Mathematica,
especially how to use the front-end. The whole book was written in
Mathematica, by the way and is provided in the attached CD. There are
numerous references on programming the front-end.

A physicist's Guide To Mathematica by Tam -- Not as programming
oriented as POWER PROGRAMMING book, but with many extensively worked
out physical examples from mechanics, E&M, Quantum physics.

Wagner, POWER PROGRAMMING WITH The MATHEMATICA KERNEL. -- Excellent
programmer's discussion of the various structures and general
philosophy of the language design including functional and rule-based
programming