Lobsters Interview
13 days ago
- #programming
- #mathematics
- #computing
- Susam's engagement with the Lobsters community, discussing computing, mathematics, and related topics.
- Use of Common Lisp for personal projects, including a mathematics pastebin and a static site generator for his blog.
- Transition from Vim to Emacs as the primary editor, utilizing Emacs Lisp for automation and efficiency.
- Early programming experiences with Logo, leading to a lifelong interest in computing and mathematics.
- Discovery of Lisp during a layover in 2007, attracted by its simplicity and small set of special forms.
- Passion for mathematics, especially number theory, sparked by exploring the RSA cryptosystem and Euler's totient function.
- Approach to computing for fun, emphasizing exploration, sharing, and the joy of creating tools like devil-mode.
- Methodology for learning new domains, involving testing claims through practical experiments and coding snippets.
- Design philosophy focusing on vocabulary-driven development (VDD) and composability in software design.
- Balancing computing hobbies with life responsibilities, dedicating limited time to projects like MathB and TeXMe.
- Blogging as a means to archive knowledge and share explorations, ranging from detailed guides to humorous posts.
- Engagement with online forums for the exchange of ideas, prioritizing life and projects over forum participation.
- Decision to shut down MathB due to moderation burdens, with the content archived by the Archive Team.
- Favorite mathematics textbooks, including works by Kreyszig, Apostol, and Stewart, highlighting their impact on his understanding of complex mathematical concepts.
- Reflection on how mathematics informs computing, from cryptography to error-correcting codes, and the value of rigorous reasoning in software development.