![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
What's inside the mind of a CS nerd?
After a long time since I decided to write a book (which I dearly wish that no one else will read :), I was struck by the most interesting thing I could write about. The ideas that roll inside the mind of a CS nerd, the ideas that geeks find fascinating.
More "specs" about the book:
1. This book will be a collection of essays. possibly interconnected. each essay will explain a fascinating idea.
2. The book will be aimed at non-CS people (but who are computer/tech savvy). It will be aimed at anyone who has a curious mind (specially kids).
3. It will avoid almost all the buzz-words and 'technology' stuff, including the internet. specially the internet.
4. If you liked Bill Bryson's Short History of Nearly Everything, you'll like this book. This book will be to CS ideas
what Bill Bryson's was to science (imitation is the sincerest form of flattery).
I in no way claim to be the authority on what I write. I will assume the same role Bill Bryson played in his book.
I will also use the words of experts, real CS people :)
Sample topics:
* Birthday paradox
* Machine learning
* Sorting
* Computing
* Software Development
* Programming
It will not be a droll text book. It will not be a compendium of all important CS concepts/ideas.
It will not be a history of CS (though I find it interesting enough to sprinkle it among the essays - most things don't make sense unless the history is known).
Interesting read will always take priority over depth or breath. The whole aim of this book is to show that most ideas are interesting (no matter what domain) and simple enough to make sense to anyone if made accessible and enjoyable.
Why this book? (you must be a CS nerd to understand this)
CS ideas have had a huge impact in our society. Algorithms, specially. Can you think the scale of data sorting that goes on
in this world and how we take take for granted the fruits of reduced algorithmic complexity? Most things we enjoy, most
billion dollar revenues depend on certain simple smart ideas someone came up with while taking a shower :)
I am sure many people will enjoy wrapping their minds around these ideas just like how many people enjoy understanding how things work or how the universe works.
a sample essay topic:
Computing
possible start to the topic:
When someone thinks of a computer scientist, they probably think of someone doing some activity that involves the computer. Possibly he is typing away with a florescent glow on his face. After all, a rocket scientist works with/builds rockets and a brain surgeon opens the skull and works on someones brain. But, one of the most popular computer scientists of all time, Edsger W. Dijkstra never used a computer for decades till his colleagues persuaded him to. He then used it for just
for e-mail and web browsing. After all, many of us are more computer savvy than he was. If so, what makes him a renowned computer scientist and not us?
thoughtfulMore "specs" about the book:
1. This book will be a collection of essays. possibly interconnected. each essay will explain a fascinating idea.
2. The book will be aimed at non-CS people (but who are computer/tech savvy). It will be aimed at anyone who has a curious mind (specially kids).
3. It will avoid almost all the buzz-words and 'technology' stuff, including the internet. specially the internet.
4. If you liked Bill Bryson's Short History of Nearly Everything, you'll like this book. This book will be to CS ideas
what Bill Bryson's was to science (imitation is the sincerest form of flattery).
I in no way claim to be the authority on what I write. I will assume the same role Bill Bryson played in his book.
I will also use the words of experts, real CS people :)
Sample topics:
* Birthday paradox
* Machine learning
* Sorting
* Computing
* Software Development
* Programming
It will not be a droll text book. It will not be a compendium of all important CS concepts/ideas.
It will not be a history of CS (though I find it interesting enough to sprinkle it among the essays - most things don't make sense unless the history is known).
Interesting read will always take priority over depth or breath. The whole aim of this book is to show that most ideas are interesting (no matter what domain) and simple enough to make sense to anyone if made accessible and enjoyable.
Why this book? (you must be a CS nerd to understand this)
CS ideas have had a huge impact in our society. Algorithms, specially. Can you think the scale of data sorting that goes on
in this world and how we take take for granted the fruits of reduced algorithmic complexity? Most things we enjoy, most
billion dollar revenues depend on certain simple smart ideas someone came up with while taking a shower :)
I am sure many people will enjoy wrapping their minds around these ideas just like how many people enjoy understanding how things work or how the universe works.
a sample essay topic:
Computing
possible start to the topic:
When someone thinks of a computer scientist, they probably think of someone doing some activity that involves the computer. Possibly he is typing away with a florescent glow on his face. After all, a rocket scientist works with/builds rockets and a brain surgeon opens the skull and works on someones brain. But, one of the most popular computer scientists of all time, Edsger W. Dijkstra never used a computer for decades till his colleagues persuaded him to. He then used it for just
for e-mail and web browsing. After all, many of us are more computer savvy than he was. If so, what makes him a renowned computer scientist and not us?