Stories with Tag Generic Programming

• Elements of Programming (2009)

  permalink

  Posted: 2025-02-11 18:04:35

  Verbose tl;dr

  Elements of Programming (2009) by Alexander Stepanov and Paul McJones provides a foundational approach to programming by emphasizing abstract concepts and mathematical rigor. The book develops fundamental algorithms and data structures from first principles, focusing on clear reasoning and formal specifications. It uses abstract data types and generic programming techniques to achieve code that is both efficient and reusable across different programming languages and paradigms. The book aims to teach readers how to think about programming at a deeper level, enabling them to design and implement robust and adaptable software. While rooted in practical application, its focus is on the underlying theoretical framework that informs good programming practices.

  The webpage for Elements of Programming Interviews (EPI), published in 2009, primarily serves as a landing page for the book of the same name, focusing on interview preparation for software engineering roles. It highlights the book's comprehensive approach to mastering fundamental data structures, algorithms, and problem-solving techniques essential for success in technical interviews.

  The page emphasizes the rigorous nature of the content, describing the book as a collection of 250 problems spanning various domains within computer science, including arrays, strings, linked lists, trees, graphs, sorting, searching, dynamic programming, recursion, and concurrency. Each problem, according to the description, is accompanied by a detailed solution, offering not only the correct answer but also a thorough explanation of the underlying logic and reasoning. The solutions, it states, are meticulously crafted to demonstrate optimal coding practices and efficient implementations.

  The book's target audience is explicitly identified as software engineers preparing for interviews at prominent technology companies. It promises to equip candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to confidently tackle complex technical challenges commonly encountered in these interview settings. The authors claim to have drawn upon their extensive experience in conducting and participating in technical interviews to curate a relevant and practical set of problems.

  The webpage also showcases testimonials from individuals who have purportedly benefited from using the book. These testimonials generally praise the book's depth of coverage, clarity of explanations, and effectiveness in improving interview performance.

  Finally, the page provides information on how to acquire the book. It lists options for purchasing both physical copies and electronic versions from various online retailers. Overall, the webpage serves as a concise and informative introduction to the Elements of Programming Interviews, positioning it as a valuable resource for aspiring software engineers seeking to excel in the competitive landscape of technical interviews.

  • programming
  • Book
  • elements of programming
  • algorithms
  • data structures
  • C++
  • Alexander Stepanov
  • Paul McJones
  • Generic Programming
  • Abstraction
  • mathematics
  • Software Design
  • Programming Paradigms
  • foundations of programming

  Summary of Comments ( 0 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43015975

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discuss the density and difficulty of Elements of Programming, acknowledging its academic rigor and focus on foundational concepts. Several commenters point out that the book isn't for beginners and requires significant mathematical maturity. The book's use of abstract algebra and its emphasis on generic programming are highlighted, with some finding it insightful and others overwhelming. The discussion also touches on the impracticality of some of the examples for real-world coding and the lack of readily available implementations in popular languages. Some suggest alternative resources for learning practical programming, while others defend the book's value for building a deeper understanding of fundamental principles. A recurring theme is the contrast between the book's theoretical approach and the practical needs of most programmers.

  The Hacker News post titled "Elements of Programming (2009)" has several comments discussing the book and its merits. A common theme is the acknowledgment of the book's challenging nature, with many users describing it as dense, rigorous, and requiring significant mathematical maturity.

  Several commenters praise the book for its deep dive into fundamental programming concepts and its focus on abstract algebra and mathematical rigor. They appreciate its approach of building up programming concepts from foundational mathematical principles, finding it enlightening and intellectually stimulating. One user highlights how the book helped them understand the underlying mathematical reasons behind certain programming practices. Another commenter notes its value in teaching how to reason about programs formally, a skill they found lacking in other resources. The book is often compared to classics like "Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs" (SICP), with some arguing it delves even deeper into the theoretical foundations.

  However, the difficulty of the book is also a recurring point of discussion. Many acknowledge that it requires a strong background in mathematics, particularly abstract algebra, to fully grasp. Some users suggest that without sufficient preparation, the book can be overwhelming and difficult to follow. One commenter describes it as "extremely dense" and advises potential readers to be prepared for a serious undertaking. Another recommends working through the exercises diligently, highlighting their importance for understanding the material.

  Some users offer advice on how to approach the book. One suggestion is to start with SICP as a gentler introduction to similar concepts. Others recommend supplementing the book with additional resources like online lectures or forums.

  A few comments discuss the practical applicability of the book. While acknowledging its theoretical focus, some users argue that the principles learned can be applied to real-world programming problems, leading to a deeper understanding of data structures and algorithms. However, others question its direct relevance to day-to-day programming tasks.

  There's also some discussion about the authors and their backgrounds. One commenter mentions Alexander Stepanov's contributions to the C++ Standard Template Library (STL), highlighting the influence of his mathematical approach on the design of the STL.

  Overall, the comments paint a picture of "Elements of Programming" as a demanding but rewarding book for those seeking a deep understanding of the theoretical foundations of programming. It is generally recommended for readers with a strong mathematical background and a willingness to put in the effort to grasp its complex concepts. While not necessarily suitable for all programmers, it is seen as a valuable resource for those seeking a more rigorous and mathematically grounded approach to programming.

• 21st Century C++

  permalink

  Posted: 2025-02-05 09:55:11

  Verbose tl;dr

  Bjarne Stroustrup's "21st Century C++" blog post advocates for modernizing C++ usage by focusing on safety and performance. He highlights features introduced since C++11, like ranges, concepts, modules, and coroutines, which enable simpler, safer, and more efficient code. Stroustrup emphasizes using these tools to combat complexity and vulnerabilities while retaining C++'s performance advantages. He encourages developers to embrace modern C++, utilizing static analysis and embracing a simpler, more expressive style guided by the "keep it simple" principle. By moving away from older, less safe practices and leveraging new features, developers can write robust and efficient code fit for the demands of modern software development.

  The Communications of the ACM blog post, "21st Century C++," by Bjarne Stroustrup, reflects on the evolution of C++ and advocates for its continued relevance in modern software development. Stroustrup, the creator of C++, begins by acknowledging criticisms levelled against the language, particularly its perceived complexity and the persistence of legacy code. He argues, however, that these criticisms often stem from outdated understandings of C++ and fail to recognize the significant advancements introduced in recent standards, specifically C++11 and beyond.

  The post emphasizes the concept of "Modern C++," which leverages newer features and best practices to achieve cleaner, safer, and more performant code. Stroustrup details how these features address common pain points, such as resource management through RAII (Resource Acquisition Is Initialization) using smart pointers and simplified concurrency mechanisms. He underscores the importance of adopting a more declarative and value-semantic style of programming, moving away from the older, more imperative approaches that contribute to complexity. This modern approach, he contends, facilitates code that is not only more robust but also easier to understand and maintain.

  Furthermore, Stroustrup highlights the continuing evolution of C++, referencing ongoing work on concepts, ranges, and modules. These features, he explains, promise further enhancements to code expressiveness, compile-time checking, and modularity, further solidifying C++'s position as a powerful and adaptable language. He specifically mentions how concepts enable more concise and readable generic code while improving compile-time error messages. Ranges, he adds, will provide a more elegant and efficient way to work with sequences of data. Modules, in turn, are poised to address the long-standing challenges associated with header files, leading to faster compilation times and improved code hygiene.

  The author also touches upon the standardization process, emphasizing the community's efforts to maintain backward compatibility while continuously pushing the boundaries of the language. He stresses the importance of seeking input from a broad range of users and incorporating feedback to ensure the language remains relevant and meets the evolving needs of the software development community.

  In conclusion, Stroustrup's post asserts that C++, when used effectively with its modern features, remains a highly competitive and valuable language for tackling complex problems in diverse domains. He encourages developers to move beyond outdated perceptions and embrace the advancements offered by modern C++, ultimately advocating for its continued use in the 21st century and beyond. He envisions a future where C++ continues to evolve and adapt, remaining a powerful tool for software development in the years to come.

  • C++
  • Programming Languages
  • Modern C++
  • C++11
  • C++14
  • C++17
  • C++20
  • C++23
  • Software Development
  • performance
  • Efficiency
  • best practices
  • Coding Standards
  • Evolution of C++
  • Contemporary C++
  • RAII
  • Move Semantics
  • Smart Pointers
  • Templates
  • Generic Programming
  • metaprogramming
  • concurrency
  • Parallelism

  Summary of Comments ( 212 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42946321

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discussed the challenges and benefits of modern C++. Several commenters pointed out the complexities introduced by new features, arguing that while powerful, they contribute to a steeper learning curve and can make code harder to maintain. The benefits of concepts, ranges, and modules were acknowledged, but some expressed skepticism about their widespread adoption and practical impact due to compiler limitations and legacy codebases. Others highlighted the ongoing tension between embracing modern C++ and maintaining compatibility with existing projects. The discussion also touched upon build systems and the difficulty of integrating new C++ features into existing workflows. Some users advocated for simpler, more focused languages like Zig and Jai, suggesting they offer a more manageable approach to systems programming. Overall, the sentiment reflected a cautious optimism towards modern C++, tempered by concerns about complexity and practicality.

  The Hacker News post titled "21st Century C++" linking to a CACM blog post about modern C++ has a moderate number of comments, discussing various aspects of the language and its evolution.

  Several commenters discuss the complexities and challenges of modern C++. One commenter points out the steep learning curve, highlighting the difficulty in keeping up with the constant influx of new features and the evolving best practices. They express concern that this complexity can lead to code that is difficult to maintain and understand, potentially negating some of the performance benefits C++ offers. Another echoes this sentiment, suggesting that the language has become overly complex and that simpler alternatives might be more suitable for many projects. The difficulty in finding experienced C++ developers who are proficient in modern practices is also mentioned.

  Some commenters discuss specific features and their implications. One thread delves into the benefits and drawbacks of modules, a newer C++ feature intended to improve compile times and code organization. The discussion touches upon the practical challenges of adopting modules in existing projects and the potential for misuse. Another comment chain focuses on the evolution of error handling in C++, comparing exceptions to other approaches like std::optional and std::expected.

  A few commenters express a degree of skepticism towards the blog post's optimistic portrayal of modern C++. They argue that the complexities introduced by new features outweigh their benefits in many cases, leading to code bloat and increased development time. They suggest that the focus should be on simplifying the language rather than adding more features.

  There's also a discussion about the tooling ecosystem surrounding C++. One commenter praises the advancements in compilers and debuggers, while another points out the challenges of integrating different tools and libraries, especially in cross-platform development.

  Finally, some comments offer alternative perspectives on modern C++. One commenter argues that while the language is undoubtedly complex, its power and flexibility make it the right choice for certain performance-critical applications. They suggest that the key is to carefully select the features that are appropriate for a given project and to avoid unnecessary complexity. Another commenter emphasizes the importance of education and training, suggesting that with proper guidance, developers can effectively leverage the power of modern C++ without getting bogged down in its intricacies.