Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms

#1

Post by frwntfwtr » Fri, Sep 08, 2017, 3:47 PM UTC

I'm making a coloring book of data structures and algorithms for programmers and students. So far I have a prototype page for a sorting algorithm (albeit a rather simple one).

Here the Selection Sort coloring pages you can print. https://coderscoloringbook.com/selectionsort

And here is how I colored mine. https://coderscoloringbook.com/selectionsortcolored

A coloring book is not quite enough to teach algorithms on its own, but I really get a lot from visual reinforcement of what I learn from books/lectures.

Do you think having coloring pages like this could be a helpful addition to the usual studying approach of textbooks, lectures and online coding practice?

Or is it just a fun little break from coding without too much educational value?

Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms

#2

Post by balletbalance » Fri, Sep 08, 2017, 3:59 PM UTC

This sounds like a great idea. I would definitely be interest in a book of these. You're right that it feels like something you would pair with a textbook if you're trying to learn. But for me I would just want one as a fun book to have on my desk at work.

Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms

#3

Post by gicadin » Fri, Sep 08, 2017, 4:04 PM UTC

I would say it depends on the age of the target audience.

I would prefer the colored version of the algorithm, however I would not spend the time to color it myself.

This is my personal opinion.

Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms

#4

Post by Teichopsia » Fri, Sep 08, 2017, 4:05 PM UTC

It is neat and an added learning method. I believe it's called Visual motor [integration]

Maybe it's just me that I haven't had my coffee yet, but with selection sort, the part about swap needs an easier explanation.

Edit: spelling.

Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms

#5

Post by TuringNYC » Fri, Sep 08, 2017, 4:10 PM UTC

This is really cute, and it makes sense! For a fundraising campaign for our university, I had my kids color in neural network diagrams: https://www.instagram.com/p/BM5jaUxB6An/?taken-by=saifrahmed It was a big hit :-)

Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms

#6

Post by samstave » Fri, Sep 08, 2017, 4:11 PM UTC

1. Pick a number.

2. ???

3. Color the rest of the algorithm

Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms

#7

Post by pera » Fri, Sep 08, 2017, 4:14 PM UTC

I would totally buy a book like this. I think if you also added some pseudocode that would make it much more effective: you could, for instance, have pseudocode (and maybe some complexity analysis) on the left page, and the coloring on the right page.

Somehow it reminds me to The Little Schemer :)

Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms

#8

Post by tw1010 » Fri, Sep 08, 2017, 4:14 PM UTC

I'm writing this off-the-cuff so don't read too much into it if you don't want to.

I love this trend of using comics to describe technical ideas (which, as far as I can tell, started in earnest with Julia Evans). I think it's a great way to remove some of the scaryness-factor that more serious tomes (like Cormen et al) are associated to. I don't think the niche is nearly reaching oversaturation. I think there is plenty of room for these kinds of books in this space. Personally, however, I probably wouldn't get much value from a book on the very basic algorithms, like selection sort etc. What I really would like is a good description of the algorithms and data structures that are described in more advanced courses, like Fenwick trees or the stuff Erik Demaine talks about in his more advanced presentations.

If you're not aiming for this to be a book for people who're accustomed to the basics, however, and more a book for people who maybe know how to code but who identify themselves more as practitioners than as theorists (meaning they're intimidated or bored by algorithms) then my main reaction is that the thing you've shown so far seems to (1) have a great visual appeal, but (2) suffers in that it does not provide implementations of the algorithms in actual code. If I think back to myself as a beginner, what I probably would have needed help with looking at your thing would have been the translation from the example and little pseudo-code on the left to actual code.

Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms

#9

Post by ijidak » Fri, Sep 08, 2017, 4:17 PM UTC

This is excellent. I'm starting up a coding school and would love something like this.

I think something like this is critical for persons learning how to code that don't have a strong math background.

Of course they'll need to graduate to more formal methods of learning, but this would help them to get an initial context before the more formal study starts.

I don't think this would be an enormous money maker, just because it would have a very niche audience.

But you might consider having it printed and distributed on Amazon and anywhere else you can easily distribute this in formal/printed book format.

If you want to do it anyway, you might as well get some residual income from it.

I could see people paying $30-40 for a book that teaches all of the major algorithms and data structures in this manner.

EDIT: I'd easily pay $30-40 per student of mine for a book like this. This is the hardest part, I think, of making the leap into programming, grasping the abstract concepts behind algorithms and data structures. Statements, expressions, and language syntax are much easier in comparison.

Also, if you did one that covers hashing, encryption, signing, and key exchange algorithms. That could even be a separate book on integrity and security concepts in programming. And I could see that being another $30-40 maybe even $50 buy.

Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms

#10

Post by Jun8 » Fri, Sep 08, 2017, 4:19 PM UTC

Awesome idea, I'd totally pay for this!

I think the best way to pitch this is to seasoned programmers, who want a "fun little break from coding" or a conversational item in their cube, etc. If you can also add in coloring for some standard interview questions (coding or otherwise, e.g. tree for missionaries and cannibals or the dripping two eggs problems) it would be a great fun way to study for interviews.