Questions tagged [advice-request]
practical questions about doing research in theoretical computer science
65
questions
123
votes
13
answers
13k
views
Advice on good research practices
After reading Daniel Apon's question, I started thinking that it might be useful (especially to junior researchers and graduate students like me) to ask a broader and more general question so we can ...
93
votes
14
answers
21k
views
What kind of mathematical background is needed for complexity theory?
I am currently an undergraduate student, bound to graduate this year. After graduation, I am considering to work towards a TCS master/PhD. I have begun wondering what fields of mathematics are ...
- 3,751
72
votes
12
answers
9k
views
How important is knowing how to program for TCS?
Coming from a more mathematical background, I never really learned how to code.
I am starting a PhD in TCS and many people were surprised by how little I knew about programming (and about computer in ...
- 1,655
60
votes
6
answers
10k
views
How to get a job
I'm new to the site. On mathoverflow this would be community wiki, but I don't see how to set that here. Not a research question, but hopefully of interest to professional theoretical computer ...
52
votes
3
answers
8k
views
How to find interesting research problems
Despite several years of classes,
I'm still at a loss when it comes to choosing a research topic.
I've been looking over papers from different areas and
spoken with professors, and
I'm beginning to ...
- 673
42
votes
4
answers
5k
views
Single author papers against my advisor's will?
I am a third year PhD student in an area of theoretical CS that would like advice for a difficult situation with my advisor.
My advisor is not involved in my research projects at all. In particular, ...
- 429
42
votes
5
answers
5k
views
What would you advise someone who wants to do research as a hobby?
I love doing TCS in my spare time. Lately I have been trying to do some research as a hobby.
I'm looking for some extra input from people who do this full-time:
Do you think it is possible to do this ...
- 421
40
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Selecting papers to read
DISCLAIMER: This is an open ended question and stackexchange puritans would probably feel an extraordinary urge to vote it down to oblivion. However, I cannot think of any other forum more appropriate ...
- 565
39
votes
7
answers
10k
views
How do I get started in theoretical CS ?
I'm a freshmen studying computer science and I already know that I want to go into academia with focus of theoretical comp sci. I already read some of papers referenced in this question and this ...
38
votes
4
answers
2k
views
What is the smallest result you publish on ArXiv?
In essence, the question is:
What is the least publishable unit for the ArXiv?
Of particular interest are fields that use the ArXiv extensively such as quantum computing. But comments on other ...
- 10.2k
33
votes
12
answers
6k
views
Algebra oriented branch of theoretical computer science
I have a very strong base in algebra, namely
commutative algebra,
homological algebra,
field theory,
category theory,
and I am currently learning algebraic geometry.
I am a math major with an ...
- 481
29
votes
3
answers
4k
views
Presenting work-in-progress (slides now available)
Presentation now given. Slides available below.
Presenting work-in-progress is something we all should do in order to obtain early feedback and to help crystallize our ideas. Unfortunately, many ...
- 16.7k
26
votes
6
answers
3k
views
Can one return to a TCS research job after an excursion to a non-research industry job?
I have heard from some senior researchers in theoretical computer science that working in a non-research industry job, even just for a few years, will kill your career as a TCS researcher.
However I ...
- 975
24
votes
5
answers
2k
views
What are some career options for someone with a computer scientist master degree?
Other than going fully academic and getting a doctorate/post-doc, or going for a more or less 'standard' job in software development, what are some other career options in the full or semi theoretical ...
21
votes
3
answers
7k
views
Good practices for writing algorithms
This is about how effectively we can express an algorithm at hand. I need this for my undergraduate teaching.
I understand there is no such thing as standard way of writing a pseudo code. Different ...
- 709
21
votes
1
answer
3k
views
How to write the introduction of a research paper?
Apologies if this is too broad a question for this forum, but I'm interested in specific tactics and tips that researchers (in TCS) use to write the introduction of a research paper.
- 393
20
votes
2
answers
4k
views
Is a PhD in TCS the best way towards achieving a career in industrial research?
My idea of a dream career is a career in industrial research, where one gets to tackle problems which are challenging, and also have a practical usage. To that end, is pursuing a PhD in TCS (I'm ...
- 456
18
votes
3
answers
830
views
How to talk about theory
I realize this might be a contentious question, but this seemed like the right place to ask. Please redirect me if not.
The background is that I am a "practitioner" (PhD student, I don't study CS ...
- 283
17
votes
4
answers
1k
views
How to come up with an non-trivial idea in theoretical computer science?
I am a PhD student working in theoretical computer science. I have read the research papers of many researcher and I have seen many tools and mathematics they use for designing an algorithm. For ...
- 307
16
votes
4
answers
1k
views
When are more publications less?
Are there cases where extra publications can hurt your record?
This is avoiding the obvious cases where you publish incorrect, or controversial results. Also avoiding the case of finite-time: you ...
- 10.2k
16
votes
3
answers
11k
views
Graduate studies (PhD) in CS Theory vs. Applied Math
Given most American universities only accept applications in only one field, I'm trying to figure out what are the advantages/disadvantages of applying to a CS theory program vs an applied math ...
- 303
15
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Algorithms Design and Complexity - How to think in that 'way'?
My question is a general one: How do I start thinking in terms of Algorithm Design and Complexity? I am going to take a Graduate Course in Algorithm Design. I had enrolled in it earlier but dropped it ...
- 151
14
votes
1
answer
4k
views
Need a good overview for Succinct Data Structure algorithms
(already asked on main site, but asking also here for better coverage, sorry)
Since I knew about Succinct Data Structures I'm in a desperate need of a good overview of most recent developments in ...
- 243
12
votes
8
answers
7k
views
What math courses should I take to prepare for a CS masters or PhD?
I'm a self-taught professional programmer. I am pretty good at it (Ruby, Unix, Clojure, Java, Objective-C), but now I'm thinking of taking it to the next level by maybe applying for a masters or PhD ...
- 231
12
votes
4
answers
1k
views
How to be more "theory-minded"?
Apologies in advance for this a soft question which has no closed, correct answer. This is probably the best forum to ask my question.
I am a third year graduate student in theory group of a top-15 ...
- 1,177
12
votes
3
answers
691
views
Is it beneficial to regularly read papers outside your field?
What do you think about regularly reading papers outside one's own field, even those which are not related to one's area? My intuition is that it can give a totally different perspective or technique ...
- 175
10
votes
3
answers
2k
views
How easy is it to switch the area of research in CS (going from M.Tech to PhD)?
I'm faced with a rather tough dilemma :-
I had completed M.Tech in CS 2 years back, completing my dissertation in the field of VLSI Testing. While I liked my work, I don't wish to go back to pursue ...
- 456
10
votes
7
answers
2k
views
Are there pre-doc positions in TCS?
Are there positions for recently graduated bachelor or masters students with a record of research to work as a researcher before committing to their PhD?
TCS has a culture of post-doc positions for ...
- 10.2k
10
votes
2
answers
745
views
PhD Development; Literature Review Tactics
Not sure if correct area, but here goes.
Starting a PhD in Trust and Reputation Management in Communications networks (lots of graph theory, probabilistic analysis, etc), and have lots of reading ...
- 201
9
votes
2
answers
2k
views
The average number of annual publications for CS postdocs
What is the average number of publications (including conference proceedings), per year, for CS postdoctoral researchers in the US? What are the ways to find out or estimate this number?
- 207
9
votes
3
answers
3k
views
What kind of mathematical background is needed for graph theory?
It is going to be the first time for me to learn graph theory. What kind of mathematical background do I need to prepare master theses about this subject in following years?
Which subjects should be ...
- 91
8
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Deciding between different PhD programs
Edited Version
What are the main characteristics and qualities that you would consider if you were going to choose a PhD program in theoretical computer science (or related areas) today (based on ...
7
votes
3
answers
512
views
How do you go from insights to formal solutions?
My question pertains to the problem of translating ideas and insights to the solution (of some problem) into formal notations, thus expressing the answer formally.
In other words, having a bunch of ...
- 664
7
votes
5
answers
3k
views
Is a CS degree for me?
I'm a UK student who will soon be going to university and would like some advice from people who have already done this on what course to take.
I really enjoy the theoretical side of computer ...
Joe Pollard
7
votes
1
answer
320
views
How to be formal while writing papers?
I am just beginning my second year of PhD. While my advisor is largely happy with my progress and work, there seems to be a recurring point in our discussions that I need to be more formal in my ...
- 1,177
7
votes
2
answers
467
views
A System for Visualizing Bibliography Information
I'm looking for a software for visualizing main trends in some field.
Specifically, I want it to build a graph of the field with vertexes representing papers and edges representing how close papers ...
6
votes
5
answers
4k
views
How to make a paper stronger?
After reading this question and David's answer I thought a more general question asking for tips would be useful. So
how can authors make (and write) a paper stronger?
6
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Mathematical background needed for pursuing a PhD in TCS [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What kind of mathematical background is needed for complexity theory?
I'm a final year undergrad and I'm looking to pursue a PhD in theoretical computer science in the long ...
user4363
6
votes
2
answers
596
views
PageRank for a Non-Random Searcher
I'm looking to adapt the PageRank algorithm as a centrality measure in a network. This network however, unlike the "random surfer" of the original paper on PageRank, or the random library browser for ...
- 143
6
votes
0
answers
1k
views
What should I do to switch from math department to cs to research tcs topics?
This can be a very weird question, but I haven't seen the same situation with mine in this forum, so I'd like to put this. Let me introudce my situation first.
I'm now a math student of master ...
- 61
5
votes
3
answers
751
views
Is this graph transformation unique up to isomorphism? [Answer:NO]
Suppose, transformation T is defined as given in the diagrams below.
Every vertex (v) is replaced by ...
- 1,924
5
votes
2
answers
489
views
Reading Papers with Unclear Typesetting
From time to time, I have to read a paper with unclear typesetting. By this, I mean:
very small fonts; sometimes 8pt or smaller.
very bad scan;
Using bitmap fonts instead of vector ones.
too old ...
- 16.5k
5
votes
1
answer
280
views
Is education for research-based CS at odds with that of industrial CS?
I'm an undergraduate strongly interested (well, this is a hunch) in theoretical CS and all things mathematical. While I'd like to devote my time to participating in research opportunities and learning ...
- 171
4
votes
2
answers
875
views
What is considered significant when applying for a TCS PhD with major changed
I am a Master student on CS. Actually in theory.
I have a BE in polymer (Chemical Eng stuff), and I struggled somehow to get enrolled in this program.
I want to apply a TCS PhD in US. So, what do ...
- 329
4
votes
1
answer
184
views
Formal theory about explaining algorithms
There is a lot of algorithms written in formal languages, but I have never seen any formal system which target is to explain or give a rationale behind an algorithm. It seems that when constructing ...
4
votes
1
answer
631
views
Looking for learning resources
I am an undergraduate student of Computer Science and am very interested in learning the theoretical part of it all.
Unfortunately, none of the subjects we have in our UG program give us an insight ...
- 151
4
votes
1
answer
355
views
Learning road map for functional programming from the viewpoint of category theory
I am now considering about studying functional programming from the viewpoint of category theory. There are a lot of books about functional programming and category theory, I want some suggestions ...
- 481
4
votes
0
answers
284
views
Faculty hiring differences between US and UK/Germany [closed]
This question contains some great answers on how to get a job. I wonder whether there are some significant differences if I will be looking for a position in Europe (in particular, UK and Germany) as ...
- 141
3
votes
1
answer
425
views
Applications and benchmarks for binary quadratic program algorithms
I have an algorithm that on all examples I was running finds an arbitrary approximation of global minimum of binary quadratic program. The algorithm find the minimum in polynomial time. Binary ...
- 537
3
votes
0
answers
169
views
Is there a computer science equivalent page for this: "How to become a GOOD Theoretical Physicist"?
http://www.staff.science.uu.nl/~gadda001/goodtheorist/
I was wondering if any one has come across a page similar to the above but for CS.
- 39