9 replies to this topic

[Summer]

Hello,

How does one get better at problem solving? Suggested readings and/or other suggestions?

Thanks.

[Ed Mack]

Try to create programs to complete complex tasks. See the Computing Olympiad for ideas.

[Francois Hamel]

you could try topcoder.com

http://www.topcoder.com/tc

[bladder]

Francois Hamel said:

you could try topcoder.com

http://www.topcoder.com/tc

Exactly what I was going to suggest. Top Coder is excellent for exactly this.

You can also just solve exercises at the end of chapters in various books related to the topic you're most interested in.

[.oisyn]

Not that it learns you problem solving, but I think this is _the_ test for programmer's

Self-Referentional Aptitude Test, by Jim Propp

[SigKILL]

Take abstract math classes like abstract algebra and topology...
I can't count all the times I've heard that mathematicians are the best programmers (I probably hear this more often than most people, since I'm studying math ;)

-si

[Reedbeta]

Advanced mathematics courses are really interesting, but I think they're of dubious value to the everyday programmer. Unless you mean that the problem-solving skills learned in these classes can be applied to solving coding problems; the actual subject matter of abstract algebra or topology doesn't seem to find much application to coding outside of computer programs written for mathematics research =D (Although: number theory is useful in encryption, and analysis is useful in solving PDEs for things like physics and engineering simulations)

[Nodlehs]

I find discrete mathematics(also called finite mathematics) is useful for the general programmer, as it focuses more so on logic than advanced math forumulas :) But I agree, the more advanced math courses are really geared towards a very small section of products.

[Vexorian]

The more advanced math, a.k.a Calculus in 3 dimensions and linear algebra are really useful, in fact required when going on 3d graphics by the way

[Hodge]

Practice making algorithms or master advance math.