Originally developed by Claude Shannon in the 1940s, information theory laid the foundations for the digital revolution, and is now an essential tool in telecommunications, genetics, linguistics, brain sciences, and deep space communication. In this richly illustrated book, accessible examples are used to introduce information theory in terms of everyday games like ‘20 questions’ before more advanced topics are explored. Online MatLab and Python computer programs provide hands-on experience of information theory in action, and PowerPoint slides give support for teaching. Written in an informal style, with a comprehensive glossary and tutorial appendices, this text is an ideal primer for novices who wish to learn the essential principles and applications of information theory.

• Tutorial style of writing, ideal for novices

• Intuitive diagrams illustrate key concepts

• Text boxes summarise main points

• Comprehensive glossary of technical terms

• Tutorial appendices explain basic mathematical concepts

• Example code in Python and MatLab available online

• PowerPoint slides of figures available online

信息理论最初由克劳德-香农在20世纪40年代提出，为数字革命奠定了基础，现在是电信、遗传学、语言学、脑科学和深空通信的一个重要工具。在这本图文并茂的书中，在探讨更高级的课题之前，用易懂的例子从 "20个问题 "这样的日常游戏来介绍信息理论。在线MatLab和Python计算机程序提供了信息理论的实践经验，PowerPoint幻灯片为教学提供了支持。本书以非正式的风格编写，并配有全面的词汇表和教程附录，是希望学习信息论基本原理和应用的新手的理想入门读物。

- 教程式的写作，是新手的理想选择

- 直观的图示说明关键概念

- 文本框总结了主要内容

- 全面的技术术语词汇表

- 教程附录解释基本数学概念

- 在线提供Python和MatLab的示例代码

- 在线提供数字的PowerPoint幻灯片