PB Sharma Talks About Her Book “Principles of Programming Language Paradigms”

About the Author:

Pooja Bajaj holds M.Tech degree in CSE from DCRUST Murthal and has taught at GVMITM Sonepat, where they have been responsible for designing and delivering courses on topics such as programming languages, software engineering, and computer science theory. Currently Working in MNC as a quality Analyst

Exclusive interview with the author

Q: What Inspired You To Write This Book?

A: My inspiration for writing this book came from a desire to bridge the gap between theory and practices in the field of programming languages. Over the years I noticed that many students struggle to fully grasp the fundamental concepts underlying different programming paradigms. I wanted to create a resource that not only explains these paradigms clearly but also encourages readers to explore their strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately the goal was to help students and professionals understand the ‘why’ behind the ‘how’ of programming languages.

Q: What Did You Learn When Writing The Book?

A: Writing this book was a deeply enriching experience that taught me a great deal, both as a writer and a computer engineer. As I explored programming paradigms, I realised how much a programmer’s perspective shapes the way they approach problems. Explaining complex topics to a broad audience is no small task. I learned to distill intricate ideas into simpler, more digestible explanations without losing their essence. Ultimately writing this book deepened my own understanding of programming paradigms and strengthened my belief in the importance of teaching these concepts in a way that is both accessible and inspiring.

Q: What Does The Title Mean?

A: The title “Principles of programming language paradigms: Design, theory and implementation” reflects the comprehensive scope of the book, highlighting three key aspects of programming languages and their paradigms. First part refers to the fundamental concepts and philosophies behind different programming paradigms such as Imperative, object-oriented, functional, logic and event-driven. The title suggests the book explores these paradigms’ core principles, providing insights into how and why they work the way they do. Second part refers to the process of creating programming languages including the choices made in their structure, syntax, semantics and features. It highlights how paradigms influence design decisions, tailoring languages to specific types of problems. It also includes formal grammars and syntax, operational semantics, type theory and language expressiveness. Third part focuses on how programming languages are built and executed such as compilers and interpreters, runtime environments, memory management etc. By combining these elements, the book aims to equip readers a comprehensive view of programming languages, enabling them to understand, and evaluate.

Q: What, In Your Opinion, Are The Most Important Elements Of Good Writing?

A: In my opinion the most important elements of good writing are clarity, purpose structure, engagement, Authenticity, precision, Audience awareness. Good writing conveys ideas in a straightforward and understandable way. Every piece of writing should have a clear goal, whether to inform, entertain, persuade or inspire. Staying focused on the purpose ensures the writing resonates the audience. Great writing captivated the reader. Authentic writing reflects the writer’s unique voice and perspective, making it more relatable and genuine to the audience. Good writing is about communicating effectively and leaving a lasting impression on the reader, whether through knowledge, emotions or inspiration.

Q: What Is The Most Difficult Part About Writing For You?

A: The most difficult part of writing for me is to balancing the complexity of ideas with the simplicity of expression. When you’re dealing with a topic as intricate as programming language paradigms, it can be challenging to explain deep concepts in a way that is both accessible and accurate. Another challenge is maintaining focus over long periods. Writing a book is a marathon, not a sprint, and there are moments when motivation wanes or when the scope of the project feels overwhelming.

Q: Do You Believe A Book Cover Plays An Important Role In The Selling Process?

A: Yes, I believe a book cover plays a crucial role in the selling process. a well designed cover serves as the first impression a potential reader has of the book and can significantly influence their decision to pick it up or learn more about it. A good cover gives a hint of what the book is about, it’s tone and its genre. While the old adage says, “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover”, in reality most readers do. A strong cover can make the difference between a book being overlooked or becoming a bestseller.

This book is published by OrangeBooks Publication. All rights are reserved with the author & the publisher.