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> Knowing how to implement Djikstra or a linked list by heart is no longer important. This was never important. The important part was always knowing when to u
by xyzzy_plugh 4mo ago
> Knowing how to implement Djikstra or a linked list by heart is no longer important.
This was never important. The important part was always knowing when to use them.
- stackghost 4mo ago>The important part was always knowing when to use them. Two things can be true simultaneously. I think there was a time when deep familiarity with implementing algorithms was important.
- gpderetta 4mo agoalways was. Still is.
- SJC_Hacker 4mo agoIt is for coding interviews
- lubujackson 4mo agoEven more narrow - you only need to know when to consider them. I only ever bothered remembering enough of any algorithm to know my options and a few rules of thumb. If I ever actually need to consider the details of the algorithm, I certainly need to spend a lot more time thinking through the problem and its solution. Knowing a specific algorithm well enough to pump out in 15 minutes is a party trick that is as useful as being able to change a tire in 3 minutes flat. A great time saver that will be functionally useful maybe 3 times in your life...