[CALUG] studying CS

[Rajiv Vyas]

Dear Gary:

Thanks for the tips. I didn't get your second point or part of the
second point -- then while he writes and debugs some simple C programs
 - (Not any other language at first!!).

My interpretation is that you are suggesting he learns C first and not
python or perl, right? Aren't the latter two more easier to learn? If
so, why begin with C? Just curious.

Thanks again,

Rajiv






On 11/13/05, Gary Knott <knott at civilized.com> wrote:
> Dear Rajiv,
>
> The best way to learn to code is:
> 1. get a copy of "The Art of Computer Programming, Vol 1 (by DE Knuth)
>     and start reading it and doing some of the exercises.  (Later
> scan Vol 2 and Vol 3)
>
> 2. Find a good programmer to sit with your friend as he learns
> to use emacs or vi, and then while he learns how to control make, and
> then while he writes and debugs some simple C programs  -
> (Not any other language at first!!)
>
> For example write a program to read the numbers in a text file, and
> add them together and print out the average.  Then extend this program
> to tabulate a histogram of the numbers and print it out.
> After enough practice, and some reading  (check out some "programming on
> Linux" books too.) he will feel confident.
>
> After a couple of successful programs, he can progress by himself, with
> just a consultation now and then.
>
> Later he will need to struggle with X-windows graphics programming,
> since data mining involves drawing graphs.
>
> This whole process can take a lifetime, but a year ought to be
> enough to get to competent beginners level.
>
> I suggest he take a look at the math/stat software I wrote
> (called MLAB) - which can do many things that might be of interest
> to him.  (see www.civilized.com)
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> Rajiv Vyas wrote:
> > Let's say he has BS level understanding of stats and math. where and how
> > does he pcik up programming experience?
> >
> > Rajiv
> >
> >
> > On 11/9/05, *Gary Knott* <knott at civilized.com <mailto:knott at civilized.com>>  wrote:
> >
> >     If your friend wants to be able to "mine data", then
> >     programming is only one part.  He should of course learn
> >     to code, and learn some basic algorithms and data-structures,
> >     but the way to do that does not require pursuing
> >     a CS degree.
> >
> >     It is more important in this context, in my opinion, to
> >     study math through the BS level, and most directly applicable,
> >     to study statistics - regression, bayesean methodology, stochastic
> >     processes, etc.
> >     --
> >     ==============================================================
> >     | Spoken: Gary D. Knott      Email: knott at civilized.com
> >     <mailto:knott at civilized.com>       |
> >     | Phone: (301) 962-3711      MIME mail welcome                |
> >     |                                                             |
> >     | web: www.civilized.com <http://www.civilized.com>  (Please look at
> >     our HomePage!)      |
> >     | USPS: Civilized Software Inc., 12109 Heritage Park Circle,  |
> >     |       Silver Spring, Maryland 20906, USA                    |
> >     ==============================================================
> >
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>
>
> --
> ==============================================================
> | Spoken: Gary D. Knott      Email: knott at civilized.com       |
> | Phone: (301) 962-3711      MIME mail welcome                |
> |                                                             |
> | web: www.civilized.com  (Please look at our HomePage!)      |
> | USPS: Civilized Software Inc., 12109 Heritage Park Circle,  |
> |       Silver Spring, Maryland 20906, USA                    |
> ==============================================================
>
>