We assume readers are conversant with some programming language and have some understanding of algorithms. The more knowledgeable readers are, the more they will get out of the book, as the topics are covered in great detail. Each chapter contains programming activities that will help readers better understand the process of developing and testing a visualization. Some of these can be performed using Excel and its builtin plotting techniques. Others assume the use of regular programming languages such as Java or C++, as long as they have graphics libraries available. Readers should feel free to develop their code in other languages as well.