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Art of Computer Programming, Volumes 1-4A Boxed Set

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Re: Art of Computer Programming, Volumes 1-4A Boxed Set

#3
post #2

Probably more of a status symbol for most people. How many of you actually read these books carefully?

1. Me, at least, and I'm absolutely certain I'm far from unique.

2. There's nothing wrong or status-symbol-y about using books of this sort for reference, and reading only the bits one needs.

Re: Art of Computer Programming, Volumes 1-4A Boxed Set

#4
post #3
post #2

Probably more of a status symbol for most people. How many of you actually read these books carefully?

1. Me, at least, and I'm absolutely certain I'm far from unique. 2. There's nothing wrong or status-symbol-y about using books of this sort for reference, and reading only the bits one needs.

What's wrong with less cryptic books like these?

http://www.amazon.com/Algorithm-Design-Jon-Kleinberg/dp/0321...

http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Algorithms-Third-Thomas-C...

Re: Art of Computer Programming, Volumes 1-4A Boxed Set

#7
post #2

Probably more of a status symbol for most people. How many of you actually read these books carefully?

A rather superficial status symbol, I'd say: owning a book does not equate to knowing or understanding its contents.

I purchased my copies individually (back when I was a student and I could ill afford them) and, ignoring Knuth's suggesting algorithm for reading the series, read the "interesting" sections quite carefully. I still use them for reference and occasionally find time to re-read parts of it.

Re: Art of Computer Programming, Volumes 1-4A Boxed Set

#10
post #4
post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

1. Me, at least, and I'm absolutely certain I'm far from unique. 2. There's nothing wrong or status-symbol-y about using books of this sort for reference, and reading only the bits one needs.

What's wrong with less cryptic books like these? http://www.amazon.com/Algorithm-Design-Jon-Kleinberg/dp/0321... http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Algorithms-Third-Thomas-C...

Depth.

I have read CLRS (the second book in your list); it's really great as an introductory text as it spans a lot of areas. For example, sorting/searching is a chapter in CLRS, while it's a volume in itself in TAOCP (The Art Of Computer Programming). Also, CLRS is written in the style of a textbook, rather than a reference and a newbie would find it easier to follow. And, TAOCP is more of an in-depth reference to practically everything that has been researched in that field so far.

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