The discussion centers on the experiences and challenges faced in the field of numerical relativity, particularly regarding the balance between coding and fundamental physics. Participants explore the nature of daily work in this area, including the enjoyment derived from overcoming challenges and the potential for gaining insights into fundamental physics.
Participants generally agree that daily work in numerical relativity involves significant coding and numerical challenges, with some expressing that this does not detract from the enjoyment of the work. However, there is no consensus on the extent to which insights into fundamental physics can be gained.
Participants mention the potential disconnect between expectations of gaining fundamental insights and the reality of dealing with technical challenges, highlighting the subjective nature of enjoyment in the field.
phyzguy said:Much of what you do on a daily basis is "grunt work". In my opinion, this doesn't make the work less enjoyable or less rewarding. On the contrary, when you achieve a new result, the fact that you have slogged through hundreds of trivial details to get there makes it all the more rewarding.
phyzguy said:I can almost guarantee that the problems you will wrestle with on a daily basis will be almost entirely related to numerics and coding.