@frwntfwtr s/Dykstra/Dijkstra in the survey
Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms
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Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms
#12another thing you may find inspiration from are algorithm visualizations referenced or created by Edward Tufte [1]
"Excellent sparkline-like graphics from Robert Sedgewick, Algorithms in C (1998)
Sparklines and sparkline-like graphs can also move within complex multivariate spaces, as in these 9-step sequential results (reading down the columns) in merge-sorting 5 different types of input files. Four variables and 18,000 numbers are depicted in these small multiples.
https://www.edwardtufte.com/bboard/images/00027o-2539.jpg
Here are the results of 7 sequential passes to sort a 200 element file in bottom-up merge sort:
https://www.edwardtufte.com/bboard/images/00027o-2540.jpg
These merge-sort images above are a bit large in order to accommodate the resolution of a computer screen. But this material can achieve sparkline-resolutions when printed out on paper.
-- Edward Tufte"
[1] https://www.edwardtufte.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=...
[edit: formatting]
Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms
#13I'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 plen…
Thanks so much for the feedback! I think you're right that something like this would be a better learning tool for someone who is new to the fundamentals, rather than experienced software professionals. And I've heard from a few people now about adding code/pseudocode to match the visuals. I'll have to give that a try in the next iteration!
Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms
#14This 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 b…
I'm really glad to hear you like the idea! Thanks for the tips on getting it distributed, too. For now I should probably concentrate on making the right book =). Your suggestions for content are super helpful, too. Will definitely put those on the to-do list. Would you be interested in having the students at your coding school try out some test pages? Cheers!
Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms
#15I 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 :)
Thanks for the tips! The next iteration will definitely have pseudocode, as that is now a highly requested "feature". =)
Cheers
Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms
#16another thing you may find inspiration from are algorithm visualizations referenced or created by Edward Tufte [1] "Excellent sparkline-like graphics from Robert Sedgewick, Algorithms in C (1998) Sparklines and sparkline-like graphs can also move within complex multivariate spaces, as in these 9-step sequential results (reading down the columns) in merge-sorting 5 different types of input files. Four variables and 18…
Wow, thanks for the references. They definitely lend themselves coloring, that's for sure. I'm always interested in seeing new visualizations of common algorithms.
Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms
#17It 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.
Just googled "visual motor integration". That definitely is right along the lines of what I was thinking too. And yes, you're not the only one to mention the lack of direction in the second page. I'll be updating that one in the next iteration. Cheers!
Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms
#18This 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 :-)
I'm glad to hear others have used the same approach! Thanks for the compliment. Cheers
Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms
#19Awesome 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.
Yea, I'm getting the feeling that it won't be a learning tool for everyone. The original idea was for it to help with studying for interviews. I still love the idea of people using them as a fun thing to do, though.
Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms
#20This 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.
Thanks for the feedback!