Week 1 and 2
So far this course is great. I especially enjoy the discussions about algorithms, specifically the history and limitations of algorithms. I've never thought about it, but it seems that websites like Amazon use algorithms to determine what kind of merchandise to show you based on what you buy. This makes me consider the professor's question "is there an algorithm for everything"? Unfortunately, though, an algorithm will never tell you to stop buying stuff on Amazon and go outside for a while.
Dr. Racket is a pretty cool guy. It codes programs and doesn't afraid of anything. It seems to be a very intuitive and student-friendly environment to get into programming. It's for all of us Arts students who need to take a computing course for a science credit.
Another course I am taking is Music, Media and Technology, and obviously computers play a large role in shaping 20th century music. It's not feasible to record music in the current industry without a computer or some sort of digital hardware. Therefore this course intersects with my music course in a meaningful way.
I look forward to the coming weeks of CSC104
Good work!
ReplyDeleteBut why can't an algorithm "tell you to stop buying stuff on Amazon and go outside for a while"? If I was Amazon's developer, I could keep track of your activities on the site (and they do actually), and pop up a friendly remainder if your time on the site exceeds a threshold, or if you spend more than certain amount of money. Of course the manager won't be too thrilled about this piece of work :p but the point is that it's algorithmically doable (in fact pretty easy).