This book presents the characteristic zero invariant theory of finite
groups acting linearly on polynomial algebras. The author assumes basic
knowledge of groups and rings, and introduces more advanced methods from
commutative algebra along the way. The theory is illustrated by numerous
examples and applications to physics, engineering, numerical analysis,
combinatorics, coding theory, and graph theory. A wide selection of
exercises and suggestions for further reading makes the book appropriate
for an advanced undergraduate or first-year graduate level course.