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The author states the problem clearly: programmer rusty at linear algebra, needs some background. But at some point, the disdain for pure math / theory becomes

The author states the problem clearly: programmer rusty at linear algebra, needs some background. But at some point, the disdain for pure math / theory becomes a hindrance IMHO. If being human calculator on paper back in college left you unprepared now, won't getting proficient with a linear algebra library, ignoring theory whenever possible do the same? I recommend at least pairing use case focused tutorials like this with Essence of linear algebra: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZHQObOWTQDPD3MizzM2xVFitgF8hE_ab http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZHQObOWTQDPD3MizzM2xV...

dragandj 9y ago
The author (me) also states that the tutorial should be used with a linear algebra textbook and not on its own, and even recommends the specific (math) textbook. I do not get how you see disdain for math there?
- krosaen 9y ago
  Maybe this line >It is application oriented; it has more theorem proofs than I need, but it at least does not skip application examples And that it focuses entirely on library use cases. But I see now that's the explicit goal, and I'm projecting my needs for more articles providing clarity on the theory onto your article :)
  - dragandj 9y ago
    In my opinion, there is no shortage of good math textbooks of all levels providing clarity on theory. There is also no (or not too much) shortage of good numerical software for LA. What's missing is the time to be both good at theory, and have mastery of numerical software, and general software engineering. As I am not a mathematician, I can not write even a passably good theoretical LA tutorial, yet alone one that is better what is currently available. The goal of these articles is: You've read the math text -> here's how you can try this in Clojure. Nothing more than that.
    - krosaen 9y ago
      Yeah that's totally fair
- aswanson 9y ago
  Completely off topic, but Belgrade looks beautiful. Can you recommend any non touristy places to see while visiting?
  - dragandj 9y ago
    Most places are still non-touristy compared to more well-known European capitals, so that won't be a problem.
    - Rovanion 9y ago
      Just be prepared that it may be really hard to find a resturant with a (real) non-smoking section.
    - aswanson 9y ago
      Cool, thanks. Any good night spots and places to eat?
      - dragandj 9y ago
        Most visitors would like to try nightclubs on the river bank, and try local restaurants at Skadarlija, but that is really a matter of taste. Belgrade has a population of 1.5 million, and it lives 24/7/365 so you won't be bored whatever you like. Cafes are full during the day, and nightclubs during the night practically every day of the week.
        aswanson 9y ago
        Incredible. With a city life like that you should be commended for taking the time out to extend clojure. Salute.
        pjmlp 9y ago
        I was there doing that around two years ago. Very nice experience.
sova 9y ago
Wow thank you for sharing that youtube link. I did take Calc 3 in school. Or is Eigenvalues and stuff... calc 3.5? I don't know, but thanks a lot, I did not really know that there were geometric insights involved! My teacher was amazing and distilled the equations in a way that let me know there were connective tissues, but I did not know that one can visually understand linear algebra. That makes me very happy, as I am always looking for ways to more intuitively and visually understand the universe. Thanks again sir.

dragandj 9y ago

The author (me) also states that the tutorial should be used with a linear algebra textbook and not on its own, and even recommends the specific (math) textbook. I do not get how you see disdain for math there?

krosaen 9y ago
Maybe this line >It is application oriented; it has more theorem proofs than I need, but it at least does not skip application examples And that it focuses entirely on library use cases. But I see now that's the explicit goal, and I'm projecting my needs for more articles providing clarity on the theory onto your article :)
- dragandj 9y ago
  In my opinion, there is no shortage of good math textbooks of all levels providing clarity on theory. There is also no (or not too much) shortage of good numerical software for LA. What's missing is the time to be both good at theory, and have mastery of numerical software, and general software engineering. As I am not a mathematician, I can not write even a passably good theoretical LA tutorial, yet alone one that is better what is currently available. The goal of these articles is: You've read the math text -> here's how you can try this in Clojure. Nothing more than that.
  - krosaen 9y ago
    Yeah that's totally fair
aswanson 9y ago
Completely off topic, but Belgrade looks beautiful. Can you recommend any non touristy places to see while visiting?
- dragandj 9y ago
  Most places are still non-touristy compared to more well-known European capitals, so that won't be a problem.
  - Rovanion 9y ago
    Just be prepared that it may be really hard to find a resturant with a (real) non-smoking section.
  - aswanson 9y ago
    Cool, thanks. Any good night spots and places to eat?
    - dragandj 9y ago
      Most visitors would like to try nightclubs on the river bank, and try local restaurants at Skadarlija, but that is really a matter of taste. Belgrade has a population of 1.5 million, and it lives 24/7/365 so you won't be bored whatever you like. Cafes are full during the day, and nightclubs during the night practically every day of the week.
      - aswanson 9y ago
        Incredible. With a city life like that you should be commended for taking the time out to extend clojure. Salute.
      - pjmlp 9y ago
        I was there doing that around two years ago. Very nice experience.

sova 9y ago

Wow thank you for sharing that youtube link. I did take Calc 3 in school. Or is Eigenvalues and stuff... calc 3.5? I don't know, but thanks a lot, I did not really know that there were geometric insights involved! My teacher was amazing and distilled the equations in a way that let me know there were connective tissues, but I did not know that one can visually understand linear algebra. That makes me very happy, as I am always looking for ways to more intuitively and visually understand the universe. Thanks again sir.