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A comment on Berkeley AI Materials. Parent comment

Re:Berkeley AI Materials by entilzha on Tuesday January 19, 2016 @02:35PM (#10933307)
Thats because CS at Berkeley is definitely not about what programming language/version you use. As a relatively recent graduate (december 2014), I can definitely say that the major teaches computer science, not programming with X, Y or Z language.

Ironically, I think this leads to knowing the languages that are incidentally used better than if you focused on the language itself (Python, Java, Scheme, C, Assembly predominantly)

Finally, not as much time is spent on that because it is much more valuable to students to see improvements in instructional material semester after semester, and changing from Python 2.X to 3.X really doesn't contribute much to learning the AI material

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Re:Berkeley AI Materials by aarongolliver on Tuesday January 19, 2016 @08:38PM (#10935476)
I was never satisfied with this rationalization. You can learn computer science while not being tied to old languages. My school uses the same logic to justify forcing Java 6 and c89. I view it as an excuse for professors to not stay current with technology, and justify lazy decisions.
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Re:Berkeley AI Materials by vinay427 on Tuesday January 19, 2016 @08:48PM (#10935508)
>You can learn computer science while not being tied to old languages.

Similarly, you can learn computer science adequately using slightly older languages. I'd prefer my faculty members to spend time on preparing for lectures and holding office hours rather than revamping assignments to use new languages with minimal benefit.

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