It really depends on what kind of code you write. For example, the hard problem in the TopCoder contest was about connecting a telephone network with highest quality for minimum cost. If you have a mathematics background you may see that the first part of the problem, that of making sure that all points are connected, directly of via other points is a problem from Graph Theory. The idea of graph connectedness is fundamental to the field. The problem is extended to include maximizing the quality/cost ratio. This is just adding weights to the edges of your graph and evaluating the results. Having seen this type of problem before, you would be able to use what you know to construct an algorithm.
But what next? Now you have an algorithm but how do you know if it works? You have to prove it correct, which will almost certainly require some math. Contrary to the beliefs of many an untrained programmer, "It works for these data" is not proof of correctness. Once you have proved correctness, how long will it take your program to run? Can it be made to run faster? If you don't know how to do basic algorithm analysis (more math), you'll just be shooting in the dark.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that every programmer should have a math degree, but in the context of the problems presented in the article, advanced maths are essential. If all you want to do is write JSP for your website, you'll probably never need Graph Theory or algorithm analysis, and that's just fine. But remember that you don't need to know much about math because someone else has given you a nice library of data structures and algorithms to work with.
Re:weird perspective for a conflict... and wrong!
on
Sun's Open Source DRM
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· Score: 5, Insightful
I'll probably get modded down for this, but here goes anyway.
I see a lot of valid arguments against each new DRM mechanisim that comes out, but nobody seems to be offering an alternative. Sure, it would be great if we didn't have to deal with DRM, and it would be nice if we could trust everyone not to steal protected content, but thats not the way things are.
Don't get me wrong, I hate the RIAA as much as the next guy, and I think they generally work against the better interest of the public as well as artists, but they do have the right to protect their investments.
So my question for everyone opposing this move by Sun is this: Whats wrong with having an open source, freely distributed DRM system so we can at least be sure nothing nasty is going on behind the scene?
It takes much more time to compose a thoughtful, well reasoned response that it does to fire off a one line joke. This article is still young. Check back later in the day and you may find more informative responses.
Slashdot Mirror
It really depends on what kind of code you write. For example, the hard problem in the TopCoder contest was about connecting a telephone network with highest quality for minimum cost. If you have a mathematics background you may see that the first part of the problem, that of making sure that all points are connected, directly of via other points is a problem from Graph Theory. The idea of graph connectedness is fundamental to the field. The problem is extended to include maximizing the quality/cost ratio. This is just adding weights to the edges of your graph and evaluating the results. Having seen this type of problem before, you would be able to use what you know to construct an algorithm.
But what next? Now you have an algorithm but how do you know if it works? You have to prove it correct, which will almost certainly require some math. Contrary to the beliefs of many an untrained programmer, "It works for these data" is not proof of correctness. Once you have proved correctness, how long will it take your program to run? Can it be made to run faster? If you don't know how to do basic algorithm analysis (more math), you'll just be shooting in the dark.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that every programmer should have a math degree, but in the context of the problems presented in the article, advanced maths are essential. If all you want to do is write JSP for your website, you'll probably never need Graph Theory or algorithm analysis, and that's just fine. But remember that you don't need to know much about math because someone else has given you a nice library of data structures and algorithms to work with.
I'll probably get modded down for this, but here goes anyway. I see a lot of valid arguments against each new DRM mechanisim that comes out, but nobody seems to be offering an alternative. Sure, it would be great if we didn't have to deal with DRM, and it would be nice if we could trust everyone not to steal protected content, but thats not the way things are. Don't get me wrong, I hate the RIAA as much as the next guy, and I think they generally work against the better interest of the public as well as artists, but they do have the right to protect their investments. So my question for everyone opposing this move by Sun is this: Whats wrong with having an open source, freely distributed DRM system so we can at least be sure nothing nasty is going on behind the scene?
It takes much more time to compose a thoughtful, well reasoned response that it does to fire off a one line joke. This article is still young. Check back later in the day and you may find more informative responses.
I got first "You're a jackass"!