Striking the Right Balance: Problem Solving and Learning Algorithms
As a Computer Science (CS) student or a professional, the ability to solve problems effectively and learn new algorithms is crucial. However, achieving this balance can be challenging. Quite often, students and professionals face the dilemma of whether to keep trying a problem until they find a solution or to look up the answer when they get stuck. This article explores the optimal approach to problem solving and learning algorithms, offering strategies that help you excel in your field.
The Dangers of Overlooking the Solution
One extreme is to quickly glance through problems and directly look up the solutions without giving them a proper attempt. This approach is detrimental. It may seem like a quick and easy way to get through homework, but it significantly hinders your ability to perform well on tests and in the real world. The lack of practice and understanding will ultimately jeopardize your success and preparedness in the field.
Recognizing When to Give Up and Move On
At the other end of the spectrum is the practice of stubbornly working on a problem even if it seems insurmountable. This approach is more palatable because it acknowledges the limits of your current understanding and resources. Recognize when you're not progressing and make a conscious decision to move on to other problems. This strategy ensures that you make the most of your time and cover a broader range of topics in a semester.
When to Look at the Solution: A Key Distinction
The wrong strategy is not always a strict binary choice between these two extremes. If looking at the solution will provide valuable insights that can help you solve future problems, then it is a reasonable decision to look up the answer. However, this should only be done if it indeed sheds light on your current and future problem-solving challenges. In such cases, the insight gained can be immensely beneficial and should be leveraged for continuous learning.
However, a shallow attempt at understanding the solution, without engaging deeply with the problem, is merely a waste of time and effort. If you only copy the solution without comprehending it fully, you risk missing out on the valuable skills and knowledge that should come from solving problems on your own.
External Resources and Problem Solving
As a working CS professional, you will frequently encounter problems for which there are no provided solutions. Relying on external resources to solve these problems is appropriate when you lack the necessary tools or knowledge. If you find that you consistently cannot solve problems on your own, it may be a sign that you need to invest in the right resources, whether it's more study, courses, or other learning materials.
Self-reliance in problem-solving is essential. If you lack the skills to solve these problems, it may indicate a mismatch with the field. Instead of adopting a superficial approach to learning, it is better to struggle through these challenges early on when there is less at stake. This way, you can enhance your skills and build the resilience needed to succeed in more demanding scenarios in the future.
Conclusion
Effectively balancing problem solving and learning algorithms is a key skill for any CS student or professional. By recognizing when to give up on a problem and move on, and when it is appropriate to seek a solution, you can optimize your learning experience and ensure long-term success. Remember, the true value lies in the process of learning and the understanding you gain from solving problems on your own, even if it means moving on from challenging problems gracefully and seeking help when necessary.