Weekly Check-In 10-19-2020

An update from the last time we spoke. I want to get some in depth articles up, but I’ve only been putting time into mathematics in preparation for more theory based courses I am expecting this upcoming semester.

Working on

• Linear algebra is still taking up most of my day. Hefferon’s Linear Algebra is still serving me well. What’s more is I discovered his recently uploaded lectures that follow the textbook. A blessing of the lockdown
• Switched my efforts from C to C++ just because of the STD. The syntax is a little boggling compared to Java. I am Using:
  • Udacity’s free C++ for Programmers
  • Bjarne’s excellent book Programming Principles and Practice Using C++
  • Hackerrank + Exercism.io
• Speaking of exercism.io, I’ve started mentoring on their Java track.
• Started diving into Al Doer and Ken Levasseur’s Applied Discrete Structures but Dropped it in favor of Lehman’s Mathematics for Computer Science along side MIT Opencourseware’s Mathematics for Computer Science
• Bought a Ducky One mini with Silent Cherry Red’s to replace my blue’s. (basically was too loud at sensitive times. I wanted too keep typing at 5am without waking my SO).
• Alongside that last point, I am converting to touch typing currently hitting around 30 WPM which is terrible, but I will keep it up and see how it does. If you’re interested I am using:
  • Typing Club
  • keybr

Goals for the Upcoming Week

• Aiming to finish Hefferon’s textbook early the middle November.
• Hit 80-90 WPM using touch typing.
• A medium sized C++ program on my git.
• finish exercism’s C++ course.

## Reflections Since last Post I was able to limit my caffeine and have been regularly hitting the 6-8 hour range studying. I did it by keeping a strict schedule, up by 4:30AM and in the Linear algebra a cup of coffee later (around 5am). Let’s figure out on avoiding burn out now. Naps have really helped.

-Well, till next time space cowboy

Alex