TAOCP Vol 4A: Combinatorial Algorithms, Part 1 · Week 115
TAOCP 7.2.1.7 History and Further References: reading guide
The long and surprising history of combinatorial generation, going back centuries to poetry, music and bell ringing.
Time About 3 hours this week
Why it matters
A genuinely fun read that shows these ideas are old and human.
Before you start
- 7.2.1.1 to 7.2.1.6
How to approach it
Read for enjoyment. Look up change ringing; it is literally permutation generation with church bells.
Exercises
History sections usually have few or no exercises. Use the week to go back to one earlier exercise you gave up on and finish it.