Finite fields. Understanding, calculation, application (Q5898303)

This book gives a very elementary introduction to finite fields. It is addressed to engineers, computer scientists or interested laypersons -- it is not addressed to a mathematical audience. In the first chapters the ring of integers, polynomial rings, Euclidean algorithm are introduced. In the later chapters the classical construction of finite fields via irreducible polynomials is covered, including the proof for the existence and uniqueness of a finite field for every prime power. Finally as an application Reed-Solomon codes are presented. Throughout the book emphasis is placed on calculating in finite fields.