A complete introduction to the many mathematical tools used to solve practical problems in coding. Mathematicians have been fascinated with the theory of error-correcting codes since the publication of Shannon's classic papers fifty years ago. With the proliferation of communications systems, computers, and digital audio devices that employ error-correcting codes, the theory has taken on practical importance in the solution of coding problems. This solution process requires the use of a wide variety of mathematical tools and an understanding of how to find mathematical techniques to solve applied problems. Introduction to the Theory of Error-Correcting Codes, Third Edition demonstrates this process and prepares students to cope with coding problems. Like its predecessor, which was awarded a three-star rating by the Mathematical Association of America, this updated and expanded edition gives readers a firm grasp of the timeless fundamentals of coding as well as the latest theoretical advances. This new edition features: A greater emphasis on nonlinear binary codes An exciting new discussion on the relationship between codes and combinatorial games Updated and expanded sections on the Vashamov-Gilbert bound, van Lint-Wilson bound, BCH codes, and Reed-Muller codes Expanded and updated problem sets. Introduction to the Theory of Error-Correcting Codes, Third Edition is the ideal textbook for senior-undergraduate and first-year graduate courses on error-correcting codes in mathematics, computer science, and electrical engineering. Table of Contents Introductory Concepts. Useful Background. A Double-Error-Correcting BCH Code and a Finite Field of 16 Elements. Finite Fields. Cyclic Codes. Group of a Code and Quadratic Residue (QR) Codes. Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem (BCH) Codes. Weight Distributions. Designs and Games. Some Codes Are Unique. Appendix. References. Index. Author Information VERA PLESS is Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science and a University Scholar at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Professor Pless holds a PhD in mathematics from Northwestern University.