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I would prefer a text that focuses on the java standard library and shows how/when to apply a java.util.List<T>. That's far better than a Data Structures and Al

I would prefer a text that focuses on the java standard library and shows how/when to apply a java.util.List<T>. That's far better than a Data Structures and Algorithms book that teaches you how you'd implement a linked list or other complex data structure. 90% of the time I use the java standard lib. Sometimes I need something almost the same, but a bit different. The difference between a middling developer and a good one is what happens in that 10% of the time. The same applies to proofs. What happens when you need something that's almost like the theorem, but not exactly? Can you tweak the proof to apply to your case, or alternately recognize that it can't be fixed and you need to do something different?

mindcrime 10y ago
I don't think anybody is saying that proofs don't matter, or that they aren't important. But it looks like you're choosing to focus on uncommon edge cases. I think a lot of people would question that line of thinking. It's almost like the old saw about how you don't need a degree in mechanical engineering in order to effectively use a car. But if you need something "almost like a car, but also kinda like a bulldozer" then you're out of luck. OK, how often does that scenario come up? Enough to care about? For most people, the answer is a resounding "no". Likewise, one can certainly apply a lot of mathematical techniques in a lot of situations, without proving new theorems. So there are edge cases... not the end of the world. Deal with it when it comes up.
throw_away_777 10y ago
I agree that knowing and understanding the fundamental math is important, but I think proof based texts are not a good way to learn math. A lot of people get turned off from math because of how it is taught. Personally I learn best by doing problems and seeing examples. Proofs are useful, but I want to know why the theorem is important before I learn how to prove it is true.

mindcrime 10y ago

I don't think anybody is saying that proofs don't matter, or that they aren't important. But it looks like you're choosing to focus on uncommon edge cases. I think a lot of people would question that line of thinking. It's almost like the old saw about how you don't need a degree in mechanical engineering in order to effectively use a car. But if you need something "almost like a car, but also kinda like a bulldozer" then you're out of luck. OK, how often does that scenario come up? Enough to care about? For most people, the answer is a resounding "no". Likewise, one can certainly apply a lot of mathematical techniques in a lot of situations, without proving new theorems. So there are edge cases... not the end of the world. Deal with it when it comes up.

throw_away_777 10y ago

I agree that knowing and understanding the fundamental math is important, but I think proof based texts are not a good way to learn math. A lot of people get turned off from math because of how it is taught. Personally I learn best by doing problems and seeing examples. Proofs are useful, but I want to know why the theorem is important before I learn how to prove it is true.