Monty Karel
A Gentle Introduction to the Art of
Dynamic
Object-Oriented Programming
in Python
The programming landscape has changed significantly since the initial
publication of Karel the Robot in 1981. Today there are new programming
languages, new programming paradigms, and new and more powerful computers.
Pascal no longer enjoys the popularity it did in the 1980s. However, the
concepts of Karel are still as vibrant and valid an introduction to the
programming and problem-solving processes as they were when first introduced.
However, the object-oriented programming paradigm has begun to dominate the
world of commercial software production. And dynamic scripting languages, such
as Python and Ruby have come storming onto the scene.
Monty Karel updates Karel J Robot to provide a means of introducing novice
programmers to dynamic object programming. This book maintains the simplicity
of the original and yet provides instruction that is thoroughly object-oriented
from the beginning. Where the original Karel the Robot used a syntax and methodology
derived from Pascal, the present text is 100% Python. In object-oriented
programming, a computation is carried out by a set of interacting objects.
Here, the objects are robots that exist in a simple world. There can be one or
several robots assigned to a task. The programming task is divided into two
parts. The first part is defining the capabilities of the robots that are
needed. The second is providing a description of the task for the robots to
perform. The programmer uses his or her problem solving skills on both parts of this
task. This version like Karel J Robot puts a lot of emphasis on polymorphism, the primary distinction
between procedural programming and object-oriented programming. Additionally,
languages like Python have many of the characteristics of Lisp/Scheme, in that
functions are first-class objects and can be passed as data for later
execution. There is also an introduction to simple but important design
patterns, such as those that have recently revolutionized software practice.
Like its predecessors, Monty Karel is a Turing complete language that can be
mastered in a few weeks. While not convenient for many tasks, it is
theoretically possible to solve any computer programming problem in this simple
language. This gives it educational power. Instead of using many many language
features to solve problems, students must apply a few simple tools in
combination to solve some hard problems. This puts the focus clearly on problem
solving rather than language syntax.
At the same time they are learning the core of an important modern programming
language and the core concepts of the object-oriented programming paradigm.
Python also has the advantage of having relatively little syntax to learn.
We believe that most people will not actually have to program a computer as
part of their everyday lives, either now or in the future. However, many people
will need to be able to use a computer and will occasionally need to do
something with the machine beyond the "ordinary." Simply put, they
will have to solve some type of computer problem. We solve various kinds of
problems every day; problem solving is part of our lives. This
book will introduce you to problem-solving approaches that can be used with
computers. Unfortunately, some people believe programming requires a
"different" way of thinking. We don't agree with this statement.
Instead of changing the way you think, this book will change how you apply your
problem-solving skills to different kinds of problems.
The original Karel the Robot used procedures as the fundamental problem
solving medium, as is appropriate in
procedural programming. Here we apply our problem solving skills, instead, to
the design of classes that describe objects (robots), since classes are the
primary means of breaking a complex problem into manageable parts in
object-oriented programming. The skills of procedural programming and
object-oriented programming are very similar, though we look at problems from a
slightly different perspective when using object-oriented programming.
For the experienced student programmer, this edition should provide insights
into the problem-solving and program design processes that will make the
student an even better programmer. It will also improve understanding of
computer science concepts such as polymorphism, loop invariants and recursion. For individuals who want to
begin a thorough sequence of training and education in programming, computer
science, or both, Monty Karel provides a solid foundation on which to begin your
work.
For novice programmers, this book will give some insight into the
programming process from two distinctly different points of view: the planner's
and the implementer's. All the problems can be thought about, discussed, and
planned in English. Once you have developed your plan, the actual syntax of the
robot programming language has very few rules to get in your way as you become
the implementer or programmer.
For individuals who do not want to program but need to have a feel for the
process, Monty Karel is an excellent tool for providing that insight.
An Instructor's Manual will be available for the text, and contains numerous
pedagogical suggestions for teaching the material based on many years of using
Karel the Robot, Karel ++, Karel J Robot, and Object-Orientation in
introductory programming courses at the college level. It will contain
solutions to most of the in-text exercises.
Software to simulate Monty Karel is available on the Web.
http://www.cafepress.com/kareljrobot
Joseph Bergin, Pace UniversityMark Stehlik, Carnegie-Mellon University
Jim Roberts, Carnegie-Mellon University
Richard Pattis, University of California, Irvine
January, 2008