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? >