Computability, Complexity, and Languages is an introductory text that covers the key areas of computer science, including recursive function theory, formal languages, and automata. It assumes a minimal background in formal mathematics. The book is divided into five parts: Computability, Grammars and Automata, Logic, Complexity, and Unsolvability.

Computability theory is introduced in a manner that makes maximum use of previous programming experience, including a "universal" program that takes up less than a page.

The number of exercises included has more than tripled.

Automata theory, computational logic, and complexity theory are presented in a flexible manner, and can be covered in a variety of different arrangements.