Re: TAOCP prerequisite

[Tim Peters]
The good news is that the TAoCP is a series you'll never outgrow; e.g.,
I've had various editions of Volume 1 since the early 1970s, and I
still learn something new each time I pick it up.


[Leo]
Thanks for your reply! By this, you mean The Art of Computer
Programming is like the bible in the CS/Math sense. A daunting read
indeed.

Well, you don't /read/ it at all -- you have to actively study it, and do
note that many interesting points are covered only in the exercises. Making
the effort to work those out is crucial. OTOH, on the first time through a
section, don't drive yourself crazy! Stick to the exercises marked, say, 15
or below at first. If you miss one of those, you're probably missing
something basic. Save the harder exercises for a lifetime of learning, but
at least read the starred exercises (even the ones marked 50 ("difficult
open research problems")). Over the years you'll find yourself coming back
to certain sections, and I promise they'll sometimes seem very much easier
despite that you're unable to account for why :-)

TAoCP is a marvel for those mathematically inclined. My only complaints are
the use of MIX and goto-laden English descriptions. Even simple algorithms
can be made to appear nearly inscrutable that way -- and while I was a MIX
whiz 30 years ago, I can barely read it now. I don't think it's a good way
to learn /programming/ -- too much emphasis on micro-efficiency, while good
programming practices aren't even mentioned. You can (and, IMO, should)
learn "speed tricks" later. It's a great way to learn the math, though.


.

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