The theory of formal languages is the oldest and most fundamental area of theoretical computer science. It has served as a basis of formal modeling from the early stages of programming languages to the recent beginnings of DNA computing. This first handbook of formal languages gives a comprehensive up-to-date coverage of all important aspects and subareas of the field. Best specialists of various subareas, altogether 50 in number, are among the authors. The maturity of the field makes it possible to include a historical perspective in many presentations. The individual chapters can be studied independently, both as a text and as a source of reference. The Handbook is an invaluable aid for advanced students and specialists in theoretical computer science and related areas in mathematics, linguistics, and biology.
