Week 20 - Can You Learn a Programming Language in 4 Days?

Summary

In the 20th week of the MIT challenge, the presenter shares their experience learning Scheme, a functional programming language, for an artificial intelligence course. They successfully completed seven problem sets, including an automatic Sudoku solver and a simplified chess AI, in 4.5 days. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the theoretical aspects of computer science over specific programming languages, as it provides a broader perspective for solving complex problems and enriches one's approach to future projects.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker is undertaking the MIT Challenge, aiming to learn computer science in 12 months without formal classes.
• 🔄 They are currently facing the challenge of learning Scheme, a new programming language with a functional programming paradigm.
• 🤖 The speaker is using Scheme to complete assignments for an artificial intelligence class, which involves problem sets like an automatic Sudoku solver and a simplified chess AI.
• 🎯 Despite the steep learning curve, the speaker successfully completed the problem sets with minor exceptions, taking slightly longer than anticipated.
• 🛠 Learning a new programming language, even one as different as Scheme, can be achieved in a few days for basic scripting and execution.
• 🧠 The focus of the speaker's challenge is on the theoretical aspects of computer science, which are language and technology independent.
• 🏛 The speaker argues that theoretical computer science provides a higher level of abstraction, allowing for the exploration of more interesting problems.
• 🤖 Theoretical knowledge can be applied to programming projects, offering new perspectives and problem-solving approaches.
• 🏆 The MIT Challenge is not just about learning to code, but also about gaining exposure to advanced concepts like AI and algorithms.
• 📈 The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding higher-level theories, even if they are not immediately applicable in day-to-day programming.
• 🔄 The speaker will continue to update their progress on the MIT Challenge and provide self-education resources.

Q & A

What is the MIT challenge mentioned in the video about?

The MIT challenge is about learning the MIT computer science curriculum in 12 months without taking any classes or being enrolled at MIT.

What programming language and paradigm was the speaker learning in the video?

The speaker was learning Scheme, a functional programming language, which is a new paradigm compared to the object-oriented or procedural styles of Java or C++.

What was the challenge the speaker faced while learning Scheme?

The challenge was learning a new programming language and paradigm, as well as new techniques for an artificial intelligence class, including problem sets like an automatic Sudoku solver and a simpler version of a chess AI.

How long did it take the speaker to complete the problem sets in the artificial intelligence class?

It took the speaker 4 and a half days to complete all seven problem sets, which was half a day longer than anticipated.

Why does the speaker believe that learning a new programming language is not that remarkable?

The speaker believes that learning the basics of a new programming language is not remarkable because it doesn't take much work, especially for someone with a lot of programming experience.

What is the speaker's focus in the computer science curriculum?

The speaker's focus is on the theoretical aspects of computer science, which are language and technology independent, allowing for the study of more interesting types of problems and solutions.

What is the speaker's opinion on the practicality of higher-level computer science theories?

The speaker believes that while higher-level theories might not always be directly applicable in everyday programming, they provide a broader perspective and can help uncover solutions to complex problems.

How does the speaker's approach to learning computer science differ from traditional academic programs?

The speaker's approach focuses on the theoretical aspects of computer science rather than just the practical application, providing exposure to higher-level ideas like artificial intelligence and advanced algorithms.

What are some examples of the higher-level ideas the speaker is exposed to in the curriculum?

Examples of higher-level ideas include artificial intelligence, advanced algorithms, calculus, differential equations, and advanced number theory.

What is the speaker's goal in updating the viewers about their progress in the MIT challenge?

The speaker aims to share their progress, insights, and self-education resources with the viewers, providing updates on their journey through the computer science curriculum.