Discrete Structures Important in Computer Science

As a Computer Scientist looking to get a Master's degree with focus on "Algorithms, Complexity and Computability Theory and Programming Languages" I would say Discrete Mathematics is very important.
Discrete math will help you with the "Algorithms, Complexity and Computability Theory" part of the focus more than programming language. The understanding of set theory, probability, and combinations will allow you to analyze algorithms. You will be able to successfully identify parameters and limitations of your algorithms and have the ability to realize how complex a problem/solution is.
As far as the programming language, discrete math doesn't touch on how to actually program; but rather it can be used for software system design specification. I used "ZED" in university, and it was dealing with designing a system using set theory. I'm not sure what percentage of software systems are designed with set theory these days though.
The last important concept to grab out of discrete math is boolean algebra. This is very useful not only for creating logical solution, but it is very useful in programming too. Software can be made/broke simply on the boolean logic in it.
Overall, discrete math is not a numbers class for the most part. It makes you use your brain in ways no other classes do. It is a logical thinking class and you must have patience if doing proofs/logic computations don't come easy to you. I've seen people change majors because they couldn't think "abstractly" enough to get through the course.
In short, I would make a stance that discrete math would be important class to take for a Computer Scientist/Software Engineer.
Actually Discrete Mathematics is the backbone of Computer Science or I say the Theoretical Computer Science. Without The study of Discrete mathematics, We miss the crux of Computer Science-Logic Development. It brings rational clarity to your solutions and a formal way of analysing a problem.
Every field in computer science is related to discrete objects whether it is databases, Nueral networks, Computer Organization, Compilers, Network Programming etc. I would say it is the 'parent subject' of computer science and every one should study this subject.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Research Methodlogy

Image
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methodology Methodology  is the systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of study. It comprises the theoretical analysis of the body of methods and principles associated with a branch of knowledge. Typically, it encompasses concepts such as paradigm, theoretical model, phases and quantitative or qualitative techniques. A methodology does not set out to provide solutions - it is, therefore, not the same as a method. Instead, a methodology offers the theoretical underpinning for understanding which method, set of methods, or so-called “best practices” can be applied to specific case, for example, to calculating a specific result. It has been defined also as follows: "the  analysis  of the principles of methods, rules, and postulates employed by a discipline" "the systematic study of methods that are, can be, or have been applied within a discipline"; "the study or descrip
Read more

Is 1 GB equal to 1024 MB or 1000 MB?

Image
A Byte is equal to 8 Bits. A Kilobyte is actually 1,024 Bytes depending on which definition is used. A Megabyte is approximately 1000 Kilobytes. A megabyte is a unit of information or computer storage equal to 1,048,576 bytes. A Gigabyte is approximately 1000 Megabytes. A gigabyte is a unit of information or computer storage meaning approximately 1.07 billion bytes. But 1 gigabyte = 1024 megabytes and this still be correct using the other acceptable standards. World bytes table: - 1 Bit = Binary Digit; - 8 Bits = 1 Byte; - 1000 Bytes = 1 Kilobyte; - 1000 Kilobytes = 1 Megabyte; - 1000 Megabytes = 1 Gigabyte; - 1000 Gigabytes = 1 Terabyte; - 1000 Terabytes = 1 Petabyte; - 1000 Petabytes = 1 Exabyte; - 1000 Exabytes = 1 Zettabyte; - 1000 Zettabyte = 1 Yottabyte; - 1000 Yottabyte = 1 Brontobyte. Traditionally, one gigabyte has been defined as 1023*3 bytes or 1,073,741,824 bytes or 2*30 bytes. This is the definition commonly used for computer memory and file
Read more

Flash Memory and Flash Drive

Flash memory   is an  electronic  ( solid-state )  non-volatile   computer storage  medium that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed. Toshiba  developed flash memory from  EEPROM  (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) in the early 1980s and introduced it to the market in 1984. The two main types of flash memory are named after the  NAND  and  NOR   logic gates . The individual flash memory cells exhibit internal characteristics similar to those of the corresponding gates. Where  EPROMs  had to be completely erased before being rewritten, NAND-type flash memory may be written and read in blocks (or pages) which are generally much smaller than the entire device. NOR-type flash allows a single  machine word  (byte) to be written – to an erased location – or read independently. The NAND type operates primarily in  memory cards ,  USB flash drives ,  solid-state drives  (those produced in 2009 or later), and similar products, for general storage and transfer o
Read more