Re: Accessor Methods
Oliver Wong wrote:
"Knute Johnson" <nospam@rabbitbrush.frazmtn.com> wrote in message
news:IM4dg.15025$RK4.11256@newsfe11.phx...
I remember specifically when I asked about how wait/notify worked and
asked for a functional example I was told to buy a book. That left a
bad taste for a long time. I really don't mind people not answering a
question but I you are going to answer it be constructive.
Admittedly, I don't like spending money to get what I want (I don't
think anyone does). However sometimes buying a specific book really is
the most efficient way to learn one particular aspect of computer
science (assuming you are in an appropriate financial situation, e.g.
perhaps not a student from a third world country who owns absolutely
zero books and instead borrows from the school library).
It wasn't a question of money, I actually had the book but couldn't get
any of the examples in it to work. I was just looking for a simple
example to get me going.
On the topic of theoretical aspect of computation (e.g. the comparing
the computational power of DFAs, NFAs, regular expressions and Turing
Machines), I think Michael Sipser's book (ISBN 0534950973) is *THE* book
on the subject. Similarly for compiler construction and "The Dragon
Book", or design patterns and the GoF book, etc.
If a friend of mine asked me to teach him about NFAs, I'd lend him my
copy of the Sipser book. If a stranger asked me to teach him about NFAs,
I'd tell him to buy the Sipser book (or if he really wanted, he could
pay *me* to tutor him, but it'd probably be cheaper for him and just as
effective if he bought the book instead).
If I had wanted a tutor I would have hired one. I just wanted a simple
example of some code. That is why when people ask for same, I try to
give them some, if I have it or can produce it fairly quickly. I'm more
than willing to be paid to be a tutor as well.
I don't know how long you've been on this list but a couple of years
back it wasn't nearly as friendly a place. You are always very polite
and helpful to people and that is a good thing.
--
Knute Johnson
email s/nospam/knute/