18.404/6.5400 Upcoming Fall 2026
Introduction to the Theory of Computation
Required background. To succeed in this course, you need
experience and skill with basic combinatorics, probability, graph
theory, and logical reasoning, as well as comfort with theorems and proofs.
If you did well in 18.062, 18.200, or any other substantial,
proof-oriented discrete mathematics subject, you should be fine.
The course moves quickly, covering about 90% of the textbook. The problem
sets and exams require proving various statements, and creativity in finding
proofs will be necessary.
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Math Learning Center - free tutoring in math subjects,
usually including 18.404
- Textbook -
Introduction to the Theory of Computation, 3rd edition.
It has an
errata web site.
You may use the 2nd edition but it is missing some additional practice
problems, or the International Edition but it numbers some items differently.
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Slides and nearly all recorded lectures from 2020 are available below.
2026 lectures will not be recorded.
The online videos are intended as a supplement to the in-person
lectures, or as backup in case of illness, but not as a substitute.
The midterm exam(s) will take place during regular lecture times.
Makeup times are available only in case of illness.
The videos may not track the in-person lectures.
In particular, the in-person lecture may discuss
this year's problem sets, and some different material.
Accessibility