Re: algorithms and pointers

"Sanjay" <sanjay.chittar@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1136307680.214586.178930@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Michal,
>
> I wouldnt really advocate Java for the beginners who are interested in
> learning linked list, trees...
>
> Dont mix algorithm with programming language.
> Its different, algorithms dont need a programming language to write,
> you can make use of pseudo language also ;).
> I feel Java's purpose is beyond these things, Honestly in today's world
> who would want to keep writing lists, trees,
> and repeat all the basic things to finally end up with an application
> that could help make business better directly or indirectly.

WHOA! I disagree to an extent which the English language is not able to
adequately convey.

Algorithms are the foundation of logic - and abstract thinking. Book
algorithms challenge students to think in a way that allows them to
represent real world situations inside the computer. Abstraction is good in
the hands of an educated and knowledgable person. In the hands of an
amateur it can give quick gratification, accompanied by a false sense of
power. If the student lacks the fundamental knowledge of how things link
together in the computer then all programs will simply seem magical, and
thus is born the cut and paste programmer who never understands a thing, but
simplely "messes" with code until it works. Then you get .. . well . . .the
quality of software that is very common today; I call it shitware.

Programming serves a double purpose - of course its innate use is obvious -
getting the computer to do what you want it to. However, learning to
program is an invaluable resource for learning more about the world and
about yourself. But don't misunderstand, I'm not trying to say it is the
only way.

--
LTP

:)


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