Let's Write a Genetic Algorithm

I'll be assuming that you know what these terms mean:

Yet Another Example of Linear Functions Being Special Snowflakes

Finding the rank of a matrix (a.k.a a linear function) can be done in polynomial time ($$O(n^3)$$).

Math Is Not A Spectator Sport

It is very difficult to enjoy or appreciate mathematics in a purely passive way—in mathematics there is no real analogy of the role of the spectator, audience, or viewer.

Question Words

In Hindi and English, question words both have repetitive structure.

2 Years Without Soap Or Shampoo: An Update

In December 2014, I stopped using soap and shampoo. 2 and a half years later, I can confirm that it was a good decision, as my skin has cleared up, my hair is much shinier, and I don't feel oily at all. Plus, it's one less thing to pack.

One Use For Quotients

If a function almost has some nice property, you can quotient out by that property to make that nice property true.

Levels of Showing Off

Showing that you're better than your perceived peers is hard work.

Reverse Polish Notation Calculator

I just wrote a Reverse Polish Notation calculator. It's beautiful. Extending a Forth compiler with new words must be a dream.

Avoid Distraction

I find it hard to resist temptation. So I don't.

Proof that Variance is Non-Negative

$$\textbf{Var}(x) = \mathbb{E}[ (X - \mathbb{E}(X) )^2 ] = \mathbb{E}(X^2) - \mathbb{E}(X)^2 $$

My LASIK Experience

1 month ago, I got LASIK. Not a lot of people seem to write about it, so here's one to offset that a bit.

Read The Documentation

Programmers often hear "read the docs" as advice.

The First Virtue of a Programmer

This Garfield strip has a lesson in it.

How To Get Dressed Fast (For Men)

Planning

When Are Regexes Appropriate?

Regular expressions are useful enough that they're built in to the syntax of the shell. But they're not always the right tool. Here's my off-the-cuff heuristics for when to use them.

From Semigroup To Group, Through Power Notation

If we consider the exponential notation used in abstract algebra, we get a nice mnemonic for semigroups, monoids, and groups: