automata and grammars can be done in a fraction of the time it takes with the
more traditional pencil-and-paper method. Since extensive testing is easy, it will
also improve the quality of the final product.
Instructors can also benefit from JFLAP. Electronic submission and batch
grading will save much effort, while at the same time increasing the accuracy
and fairness of the evaluations. Exercises that are instructive, but often avoided
because of the large amount of busywork involved, are now possible. An
example here is the conversion from a right-linear grammar to an equivalent leftlinear one. Working with Turing machines is notoriously onerous and error
prone, but with JFLAP many more challenging assignments become reasonable.
The enclosed CD has a large number of such exercises. Finally, since the CD
contains the JFLAP implementations of many of the examples in the book, there
is an opportunity for a dynamic classroom presentation of these examples.
JFLAP is pretty much self explanatory and little effort is needed in learning
to use it. I strongly recommend its use to both students and instructors.