Runtime, a Computer Science and Software Engineering “Children’s Book”

Books, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Technology 1 Minute

Runtime is a children’s book written and illustrated by Jasmine Patel – Author and Cal Poly Computer Science / Software Engineering (CSSE’20) Alumna. “Runtime,” is a children’s book that highlights the creative and fun elements of computer science to inspire youth to pursue computer science.

Front Cover

Amazon Description

“Runtime is a whimsical adventure jam-packed with educational computer science concepts. Follow the main character, Char, as she embarks on a colorful journey through the magical land of Runtime. She solves puzzles, finds bugs, and makes friends along the way!”

About the Book

The book’s character, Char, falls into her birthday gift, a new computer. Reading the readme file, Char is told, that in order to return home, to find bugs and some traveling objects. While I won’t spoil the story, Char explores heaps, algorithms, parenthesis matching, dining philosophers, decision trees, stacks, loops, queues, traveling salesperson, objects, object relationships, attributes and more.

“Computer science is a great field to get into, and as there are more and more computer science jobs available, it is important to get young children exposed and interested,” Jasmine said. “Also, there are not enough girls in computer science, and if little girls read this book where the protagonist is a little girl, that might inspire them to get into computer science.”

My Take

I ordered a copy of the book from Amazon last Friday and received it yesterday. The book is fun to read for computer scientists, software engineers and techies of all ages and genders. Runtime would make a great Christmas/Holiday/Birthday gift for every computer inclined child, grandchild or the child techie within all of us.

Note: I should mention that I am a graduate of the Cal Poly Computer Science department (BS CSc 1973) and long time member of the department’s Industry Advisory Board (IAB).

Back Cover

References

Runtime (Hardcover) – August 16, 2020 – by Jasmine Patel – Amazon

CSSE Grad Creates Children’s Book, Hoping to Encourage Youth to Pursue Computer Science

Cal Poly Alumna Publishes Children’s Book About Computer Science

Runtime – A Puzzle Piece Publishing book

Published by David Intersimone "David I"

David Intersimone, known to many as "David I", is a passionate and innovative software industry veteran who extols and educates the world on developer tools, software development and software architectures. David I joined Borland Software in 1985 where he practically invented Developer Relations. During David I’s forty-three years as a developer, development manager, developer community executive, development cheerleader, and developer advocate, he has created a thriving global developer community, thousands of articles, videos and blog posts. Before Embarcadero acquired the developer tools business from Borland Software, David spent more than 20 years with Borland in various evangelism, engineering, and development capacities, including creating the company's developer relations program. Today, David I shares his visions and insights as a pioneer in developer relations with program managers, directors and developers where he gives workshops, webinars, guidance and advice on developer communities, developer advocacy and software development.

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