Ask HN: What are the best books with problem sets that test your understanding?
7 comments
Some especially good ones
Sipser -- Theory of computation
Pinter -- Abstract algebra
Kleppner and Kolenkow -- Mechanics
Klein -- Organic Chemistry as a Second Language
Sipser -- Theory of computation
Pinter -- Abstract algebra
Kleppner and Kolenkow -- Mechanics
Klein -- Organic Chemistry as a Second Language
+1 to Sipser. Excellent book. I'm not sure there's any real competition for CS Theory out there.
There are several principles for reference:
1. Exercise quality: Exercises must cover core concepts, have a reasonable difficulty level, and preferably come with answers or explanations.
2. Practice orientation: Deepen theoretical understanding and cultivate application capabilities by solving problems.
3. Classics and reputation: Give priority to books that have been recognized by the academic community or learners for a long time.
Solve real life problems from work. It's easy to solve problems, so practice being a problem spotter.
100% this. Problems from work are always realistic and they give you a push to solve them well. Side projects work too, but to a lesser extent.
I could never get through an Algorithm class (self-taught), but that didn't prevent me from learning and implementing some non-trivial algos for my side projects.
I could never get through an Algorithm class (self-taught), but that didn't prevent me from learning and implementing some non-trivial algos for my side projects.
It has been a while since I worked through it, but Haskell programming from first principles had some pretty good exercises IIRC.
You could do worse than The Art of Computer Programming.
Some of my best learning experiences have come from textbooks that forced me to apply concepts - attack problems directly and refer to the prose on need basis to fill the gaps.
My favourites are - 1. Problems in General Physics by I. E. Irodov 2. Concepts of Physics by H.C Verma Part I & II 3. How to Solve It by George Pólya