Programming Languages: An Active Learning Approach introduces students to three programming paradigms: object-oriented/imperative languages using C++ and Ruby, functional languages using Standard ML, and logic programming using Prolog. This interactive textbook is intended to be used in and outside of class. Each chapter follows a pattern of presenting a topic followed by a practice exercise or exercises that encourage students to try what they have just read. This textbook is best-suited for students with a 2-3 course introduction to imperative programming.

"Programming Languages: An Active Learning Approach introduces students to three programming paradigms: object-oriented/imperative languages using C++ and Ruby, functional languages using Standard ML, and logic programming using Prolog. This interactive textbook is intended to be used in and outside of class. Each chapter follows a pattern of presenting a topic followed by a practice exercise or exercises that encourage students to try what they have just read. This textbook is best-suited for students with a 2-3 course introduction to imperative programming.Key Features: (1) Accessible structure guides the student through various programming languages. (2) Seamlessly integrated practice exercises. (3) Classroom-tested. (4) Online support materials.Advance praise:"The Programming Languages book market is overflowing with books, but none like this. In many ways, it is precisely the book I have been searching for to use in my own programming languages course. One of the main challenges I perpetually face is how to teach students to program in functional and logical languages, but also how to teach them about compilers. This book melds the two approaches very well." -- David Musicant, Carleton College"

Introduction.- Specifying Syntax.- Object-Oriented Programming with C++.- Object-Oriented Programming with Ruby.- Functional Programming in Standard ML.- Language Implementation in Standard ML.- Logic Programming.- Formal Semantics.- Appendix A: The C++ Scanner Class Implementation.- Appendix B: The Ruby Scanner Class Implementation.- Appendix C: Standard ML Basis Library.- Appendix D: SML Calculator Compiler.- Appendix E: The Factorial Program's Code.- Appendix F: Small Action Semantic Description.