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Equations True Computer Science Geeks Should (at Least Pretend to) Know

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21–30 of 100 posts

Re: Equations True Computer Science Geeks Should (at Least Pretend to) Know

#21
post #9

I really wish my brain didn't gloss over the first time I see a math symbol. All of this stuff seems intriguing but it's almost as if I'm hardwired to translate all those symbols into mush. I'd be much more interested in seeing the equivalent code snippets these ideas express.

You better toughen up and immerse yourself in math

Re: Equations True Computer Science Geeks Should (at Least Pretend to) Know

#24

So, I take it I shouldn't even consider getting a CS degree since I really suck at math?

Don't let this put you off! I have a CS degree, and I also pretty much suck at math (at least compared to many CS majors).

There are many paths you can take through a CS degree, and it's entirely possible to come out with useful and applicable knowledge without having to deep-dive in math. It just means you're more likely to end up in, say, web-dev than building 3D graphics engines. For me that's been a perfectly acceptable outcome.

And besides, a CS degree takes a few years - there's plenty of time to brush up on math if you're really interested.

Re: Equations True Computer Science Geeks Should (at Least Pretend to) Know

#25
post #20
post #3

It'd be nice if the author actually stated why these algorithms are important to know. Give a use case, rather than "this comes up sometimes."

Agreed, this article was a very poor read from the perspective of a programmer (yours truly) having a working familiarity with only two or three of these concepts. Given the article's slapdash, loosely-coherent English and tendency to pad out each equation's section with references to even more equations--and not explanation of usefulness--I wish I hadn't tried to read it, for it was very frustrating. I suppose the a…

I had to actually double check if the author was from the US or not, since in some places it was just so incomprehensible.

I agree the applications were glossed over or skipped, but that is probably the most interesting aspect of the equations as well.

Without practical information, the article is sorely missing true sustenance.

Re: Equations True Computer Science Geeks Should (at Least Pretend to) Know

#26
post #9

I really wish my brain didn't gloss over the first time I see a math symbol. All of this stuff seems intriguing but it's almost as if I'm hardwired to translate all those symbols into mush. I'd be much more interested in seeing the equivalent code snippets these ideas express.

I pretty much feel the same way but I feel like I'm up for the challenge and I keep trying to cover as much as possible I can in my free time (a side-effect of my unemployment).

Re: Equations True Computer Science Geeks Should (at Least Pretend to) Know

#27

So, I take it I shouldn't even consider getting a CS degree since I really suck at math?

Don't let this be intimidating to you - instead of asking yourself "how come I don't know this?" ask yourself "how can I learn more about this?". This might sound cheesy and simplified but it's as simple as "nobody was born knowing this". I'm 31 and I wish I had the money to go back in education and learn all of this with the official way but for now I'm just picking resources on the web and who knows? It just might happen...

Enough about me. If you want it, go get it. Period.

Re: Equations True Computer Science Geeks Should (at Least Pretend to) Know

#28

So, I take it I shouldn't even consider getting a CS degree since I really suck at math?

I have a CS degree, and a math minor. After over a decade of professional work, I remember hardly anything of my math minor, and very little of the mathematical content of my CS major.

If you want to do 'interesting' stuff, you'll need solid math skills. If your goal is to make money, you will likely do fine with average math skills. Oddly, however, many employers currently interview for CS/math knowledge even though their jobs will never, ever make use of such knowledge.

Re: Equations True Computer Science Geeks Should (at Least Pretend to) Know

#29

I'm sorry for being somewhat off topic, but is it too hard to try and write coherently? The author's run-on, stream-of-consciousness style, together with the random use of punctuation marks, was tiring to read.

Writing skills are always relevant. The lack of them in this article made me stop reading before getting to any actual content.

Re: Equations True Computer Science Geeks Should (at Least Pretend to) Know

#30

So, I take it I shouldn't even consider getting a CS degree since I really suck at math?

There is a growing body of science that indicates talent matters a great deal less than hard work.

Certainly I consider myself relatively slow, but with enough perseverance, I get told I am smart. :)

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