Automata theory and formal languages

I'm going to take this course next semester.

Today I learnt that a different prof is going to offer the course. I mean, she most probably took automata course like 30 years ago. The topic is completely out of her research area.

So what I have lost prog? Is automata "that" important? Is it easy to teach yourself? Because I'm sure she will come with a paper and copy its content to the board and won't be able to answer our questions.

>>1
I took a formal languages course in the university back in the days and barely passed it.

Well, you know, the strangest thing happened. During the last five years in the programming industry the hardest algorithmic problems I've faced have been easier than `reversing a linked list', a question I successfully answered in an interview I failed in the end. My escape from the dead end job that still funds my mortgage payments wasn't successful.

So, if you're after a fulfilling life with no pay in research, go for it. If you're looking for fulfilling life with good pay, you should've chosen mechanical engineering or something entirely different, like being a lawyer or a doctor. If you've looking for neither, do whatever that floats you're boat.

I still have a job for now. So blow me. Wth that...

>>1
Yes, automata is "that" important. If you "don't get it", I would probably suggest that you take up something that requires less mental power. Like say, being working as a cashier at your local taco bell.

>>3
You press the button, we do the rest.

>>2

So, if you're after a fulfilling life with no pay in research,

my dream...it beckons

>>3

We are better at calculating change in our heads that you will ever be.

"Like say, being working as a cashier..."

I would probably suggest that you take up something that requires less mental power.

Go scrub ANOTHER MIDGET you mental TOILET ^^

...sorry kodak =)

You're probably not that bad a programmer, but it's hard to tell..

Especially when you keep telling people to scrub toilets, you do know it doesn't really require any programming skills to throw cheap insults around, nor does it prove whatever argument it relates to...

btw how did you even get offended by this thread in the first place?

1) Download and Install a program named golly
2) Play with it for weeks straight
3) ???
4) Pass course flawlessly

OP here.

What I'm trying to say is that my instructor will not be able to add anything valuable to the topic. I will not have any difficulty in passing the course. However I am sure if I do not put extra work, even though I get an A, I will not be competent with the topic.

I'm asking if I should put the extra work.

>>10
Fuck off already, faggot. Do whatever you want.

>>3
Maybe you'll be coworkers soon?

hey OP, try JFLAP.
inb4 loljava