Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Computer Science Challenge List

Originally Posted On: 06/20/2005 03:05:45

Several years ago, I found a document called Challenges for Theoretical Computer Science.  It describes a bunch of 'challenges' that haven't been solved in the computer science area.  The information written in this list is 5+ years old now, and it's amazing how many items on the list are still outstanding.  I don't claim to be able to understand all of the challenges (like 'Make Quantum Computing a Reality'), but there are a lot of them that apply directly to TDD methodoligies (like 'Software Specification').  It would be interesting to track this list (or one like it) over many years.


I think it's useful to take a step back every once in a while and see where we've come, and where we're headed.  A couple of useful things can come out of it:

  • Correction/Validataion of your current course.

  • Realization that most problems have been around longer than our recognition of them, and that some smart people may have spent time thinking about them.

  • Insight into a problem outside of your current vicinity can give a great new angle on your immediate problem.

  • New product ideas.  You may have the insight to solve some problem that nobody else has.

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