Photon-Lines Substack

Photon-Lines Substack simplifies complex topics across a range of fields including software design, mathematics, physics, economics, and social issues. It employs visual and intuitive methods for explanations, focusing on technical concepts, algorithm understanding, and also explores societal trends and psychological aspects.

Technology Computer Science Mathematics Economics Business Strategy Social Issues Psychology

The hottest Substack posts of Photon-Lines Substack

And their main takeaways

Understanding The Monte Carlo Method

6 HN points • 20 Jul 23
🔬 Science Simulation Mathematics Physics Engineering Risk Analysis
  1. The Monte Carlo method uses random sampling to estimate complex mathematical results or simulate probabilistic events.
  2. It is applicable in various fields like finance, physics, engineering, risk analysis, environmental modeling, manufacturing, and artificial intelligence.
  3. The method involves generating a large number of random samples to approximate outcomes when exact solutions are difficult to obtain analytically.
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Algorithms for Optimization (Explained Simply): Part 2 - Line Search and the Trust Region Method

0 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Algorithms Optimization Mathematics Programming Data science
  1. The Line Search method helps find a minimum by choosing a direction to step and adjusting step size until a local minimum is reached. It's like walking downhill one small step at a time.
  2. Approximate line search is quicker and doesn’t require finding the perfect step size. Instead, it focuses on taking good enough steps to keep moving closer to the minimum without wasting time.
  3. The Trust Region method keeps steps within a 'trust zone' where the function behaves predictably. If the prediction is accurate, the zone expands; if not, it shrinks, helping to avoid large, risky moves.

A Walk-Through of String Search Algorithms

0 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Algorithms Computing Data Structures Software Development Programming
  1. String search algorithms are important for everyday tasks like searching in browsers and filtering emails. They help make these tasks fast and easy, saving us time and effort.
  2. The Boyer-Moore algorithm is popular because it skips unnecessary comparisons by starting the search from the end of the pattern. This makes it much faster than simpler methods.
  3. The Robin-Karp algorithm uses hashing to represent patterns and text, which speeds up the search process. It's especially useful when you need to find multiple patterns quickly.

Young people are flocking to bullshit. But it comes with risks.

0 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Youth Beliefs Self-Improvement History Generations
  1. Younger generations are increasingly interested in astrology and using it for self-improvement and introspection.
  2. The global astrology industry is rapidly growing in popularity due to better accessibility through technology and increased interest during times of uncertainty like the pandemic.
  3. While astrology may not have scientific backing, many find comfort and connection in it, using it as a tool for personal growth and curiosity.