Re:Coding the Matrix: Linear Algebra Through Computer Scienc...
by onuralp on Monday May 01, 2017 @06:46PM
(#14242444)
Disclaimer: I have an engineering background.
I think this is a fair characterization of the two approaches.
I am currently taking a class by Strang co-taught with Alan Edelman (MIT/Julia) and Raj Rao (Michigan) that has a strong emphasis on applications and hands-on coding tasks (using Julia).[0] I am also making my way through CtM (thoroughly enjoying) and hope that they will release the video lectures soon as I think the lectures and CtM complement each other quiet nicely.
[0] Matrix Methods In Data Analysis, Signal Processing, And Machine Learning - https://stellar.mit.edu/S/course/18/sp17/18.065/
Klein emphasizes practical computer science applications of LA (like principal components and hands-on coding tasks), whereas Strang emphasizes LA in terms of calculus and vector calculus.
I think both courses are outstanding. I suspect CS students will appreciate Klein's content and examples more, though Strang lectures are so good you won't find much to complain about. I have heard that some math purists object to Strang's emphasis as being as lacking fundamental rigor and overemphasizing intuition. But this criticism probably applies to both courses. I think both approach LA in terms of its utility toward CS (Klein) or engineering (Strang) problems.