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Pre-order Releases Jan 19, 2027

Paperback

Shifts: Nine Big Ideas That Revolutionized Computing

by Brian Kernighan

$24.80 / copy at 25+ copies As low as $20.00 at 1,000+Your best volume price

208 pages MIT Press ISBN 9780262064293
Shifts: Nine Big Ideas That Revolutionized Computing book cover by Brian Kernighan
Ships on release · Jan 19 Releases Tuesday, January 19, 2027. Pre-order now: your copies ship on release and usually arrive around the release date.

About the book

Shifts

An engaging account of some of the most important shifts in computing and how they have changed how we design, build, program, analyze, connect, and use computers.

From a pioneer in computing and programming languages, and a best-selling author.


We live in a world with far more computers than people. Those computers affect every aspect of our lives, sometimes for better and often for worse. In Shifts, Brian Kernighan tells the story of how we got here, by describing nine shifts that dramatically changed computing—from the stored-program computer to high-level programming languages to billions of computers on the Internet to AI and LLMs. Most of these shifts weren’t noticed while they were happening, but they are crystal clear in retrospect. For each shift, the author describes the historical context, explains the technology at an accessible level, and presents some of the people who made it happen.

The “shifts” share the common theme of looking at major changes that have affected how people build, program, and use computers. How did we get to where we are now? What can we learn from that? Can we predict where we might be going? Shifts answers all these questions and more.

The book, Shifts: Nine Big Ideas That Revolutionized Computing [Bulk, Wholesale, Quantity] ISBN#9780262064293 in Paperback by Brian Kernighan may be ordered in bulk quantities. Minimum starts at 25 copies. Availability based on publisher status and quantity being ordered.

Details

Publisher
MIT Press
Author
Brian Kernighan
Format
Paperback
Release date
Jan 19, 2027
ISBN-13
9780262064293
ISBN-10
0262064294
Pages
208
Carton quantity
24 copies

Who it's for

Made for sharing

Pre-order copies for everyone on your list, and they ship on release.

Before release day

Need them before Jan 19?

Books ship on release and usually arrive around the release date. Early delivery is common, and we arrange it often. It needs the publisher’s OK, so tell us why you need them early and we’ll make the request for you.

  1. Tell us the date and the reasonA class unit, an event, a program launch: one line is enough.
  2. We ask the publisherWe make the request on your behalf. It’s a routine part of what we do.
  3. We confirm with youYour specialist confirms the date by email before anything ships.

Your order panel turns into the quote request with this date filled in. It asks the reason, so we can make the request. We’ll ask the publisher and confirm.

Buying for a group

Shifts in bulk: pricing

Volume pricing applies automatically in your cart. No codes, no account needed.

CopiesPrice per copyYou save
25 – 99 $24.80 38% off list
100 – 249 $23.20 42% off list
250 – 499 $21.60 46% off list
500 – 999 $20.80 48% off list
1,000+ $20.00 50% off list
How fast can I get copies of Shifts?

This title is not released yet. Pre-orders ship when it is, currently scheduled for January 19, 2027. Need them by a specific date? Request a quote and we'll confirm timing before you pay.

Can you ship to several locations or people's homes?

Yes. We ship in bulk to one address, to multiple sites, or to individual recipients, in the US and internationally. See fulfillment options.

Can I get a formal quote for approval before ordering?

Yes. Request a quote and we'll send a PDF you can forward for approval.

Do you accept purchase orders and tax-exempt orders?

Yes. We accept purchase orders upon approval, as well as cards, PayPal, ACH, wire transfers and checks. BookPal is a tax-exempt supplier in all 50 states. See purchase orders and sales tax exemption.

What if I find a lower price?

Send us the link. We match prices from other bulk booksellers and distributors on a new copy in the same edition, available to ship in the quantity you need. Clearance sales and pricing errors are the exception, and we'll tell you quickly if that's the case. Start a price match.

More than a box of books

Turn this order into a program

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