The graphical examples have been carefully chosen to minimize the unnecessary detail and to emphasize the important lessons. Sidebars are used for additional information. Throughout the text, a key linear narrative is almost always being presented. Often, additional or incidental information would help the reader but might detract from the narrative flow. In these situations, the information has been placed into boxes.
Readers can then peruse the additional information as they choose.
Each chapter ends with a chapter summary, a collection of key terms, and a series of study questions that the student can use to evaluate his or her understanding of the material. Study questions are designed so that a student who understands the material should be able to give an immediate and simple answer. In constrast, exercises require more thought and time, even if a student has understood the chapter. Finally, each chapter ends with a series of programming projects. These can be used as jumping-off points for instructors in the creation of projects for their own courses.