[Math] Good introductory books on primitive recursive functions

computabilityreference-request

I wondered if anyone could recommend any good introductory books on primitive recursive functions. I'm currently working through a Number Theory and Mathematical Logic module, and I'm finding it helpful to look at different books to gain a broader understanding and intuition of topics.

Free e-books/notes would be particularly good to get hold of, or books which are available second-hand at an affordable price.

Thanks in advance!

Seraphina

Best Answer

Check out Haskell's site on Recursive function theory. That would be a good start, and you'll likely find more references as you look through the table of contents.

See also Primitive Recursive Functions 1, and Primitive Recursive Functions 2. Again, you'll find additional links to explore for clarification, as well as some suggested resources to get you on your way.

You might want to check out Boolos, Burgess, and Jeffrey's Computatibility and Logic. There's a chapter on recursive functions, starting with primitive recursive functions, and a subsequent section on recursive relations. (You can preview the text and its table of contents at the link above to see if it might meet your needs.)

You'll also find a nice pdf/handout (actually, a book chapter) from UPenn: Primitive Recursion