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Re: Algorithm Analysis Course: Should I use Mathematica for projects?

• To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
• Subject: [mg127274] Re: Algorithm Analysis Course: Should I use Mathematica for projects?
• From: Helen Read <readhpr at gmail.com>
• Date: Fri, 13 Jul 2012 02:53:42 -0400 (EDT)
• Delivered-to: l-mathgroup@mail-archive0.wolfram.com
• Delivered-to: mathgroup-newout@smc.vnet.net
• Delivered-to: mathgroup-newsend@smc.vnet.net
• References: <jtkuhh$2a$1@smc.vnet.net>

Another poster, I think it was Nasser, posted a link to a page offering 
good reasons for using Mathematica.

http://research.sabioacademy.com/why-we-use-mathematica


On 7/11/2012 6:25 PM, Brentt wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I'm an undergrad math major, and taking a cross disciplinary Algorithm
> Analysis course in the fall. I talked to the professor and he said we can
> use whichever language we like and Mathematica would be fine if it had a
> way to evaluate run-time.
>
> Two questions:
>
> I think the required capabilities are those found in the documentation
> under "Time Measurement & Optimization". Would this be correct? And would
> those functions be adequate for an algorithm analysis course?
>
>
> I know this list would be a little biased but: should I use Mathematica?
>
> Cons:  I absolutely adore Mathematica and never find myself wanting to
> program in anything else (I've toyed with Python and other languages, but
> Mathematica inspires me to play with programming like other languages have
> not), and thought committing to Python for the class might expand my
> programming skills. Also I'm guessing the course will focus on procedural
> algorithms which might not be a good fit for Mathematica's functional
> paradigm. I know Mathematica can be shoehorned in to any paradigm, but
> maybe it'd be better to use a more procedural language.
>
> Pros: I will learn Mathematica with more depth, and there are good reasons
> to get really good at one thing as opposed to OK at many things. Plus what
> I learn in Mathematica may just as well translate to other languages anyway
> so it may not be a big deal which I choose.
>
> Input anyone?
>