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 ($$O(n^3)$$).
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: