The goal of this book is to teach you to think like a computer scientist. This way of think-ing combines some of the best features of mathematics, engineering, and natural science.Like mathematicians, computer scientists use formal languages to denote ideas (specifi-cally computations). Like engineers, they design things, assembling components into sys-tems and evaluating tradeoffs among alternatives. Like scientists, they observe the behav-ior of complex systems, form hypotheses, and test predictions.The single most important skill for a computer scientist isproblem solving. Problem solv-ing means the ability to formulate problems, think creatively about solutions, and expressa solution clearly and accurately. As it turns out, the process of learning to program is anexcellent opportunity to practice problem-solving skills. That’s why this chapter is called,“The way of the program”.On one level, you will be learning to program, a useful skill by itself. On another level, youwill use programming as a means to an end. As we go along, that end will become clearer.