Yes, another Computer Science related Jack of All Trades post. I promise that this is the last C.S. related post for a while. Why do I like studying algorithms? Probably the same reason that I like studying Mathematics; both are very precisely defined and have interesting characteristics for study, but no matter how much you learn, there is always more to discover. Recently, I read an article in ACM Queue called You’re Doing it Wrong that discussed performance trade-offs between two algorithms and how, given the traditional understanding of computing systems, one algorithm clearly performed better. However, under real-world conditions with modern processors, secondary effects caused the other algorithm to perform better in this particular use-case. This article has gotten me thinking about how particular algorithms are chosen for a task and how much effort should be put in to choosing the appropriate algorithm.
In my studies, I am of course consulting the honorable Knuth and his venerable The Art of Computer Programming. It is slow going; if I ever finish it, I will probably be an aged man. However, I will know more about Algorithms that most people should. I am not sure that this study has any practical consideration outside of my field of interest other than training my mind to think logically. Maybe that is reason enough to study it.
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