Traveling Salesman: An Overview of the Job

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter mathbalarka
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the humor and implications of the Traveling Salesman problem, particularly in relation to complexity theory and programming. Participants share their reactions to a joke related to the problem, explore its deeper meanings, and reference cultural examples.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express amusement at the joke related to the Traveling Salesman problem, noting that it resonates particularly with those familiar with complexity theory.
  • One participant reflects on their recent learning in dynamic programming, indicating that their understanding of the joke has evolved over time.
  • A participant cites Goethe's Faust to illustrate the limitations of theoretical models in the face of real-world complexities, providing examples of unexpected vulnerabilities in programming.
  • Another participant humorously suggests that fictional characters like Steven Seagal could solve NP problems instantly, highlighting the absurdity of the topic.
  • There are repeated mentions of a brute force solution involving an EMP pulse, suggesting a humorous take on problem-solving by eliminating technology.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share a light-hearted view of the joke and its implications, but there are varying interpretations of its meaning and the complexities involved in theoretical versus practical applications.

Contextual Notes

Some statements reflect personal experiences and interpretations, which may not align with established theories or consensus in the field of complexity theory.

mathbalarka
Messages
452
Reaction score
0

Attachments

  • travelling_salesman_problem.png
    travelling_salesman_problem.png
    20.8 KB · Views: 141
Physics news on Phys.org
Re: Travelling Salesman

I think it took me 5 or 6 times to get the joke... (Headbang) :D
 
Re: Travelling Salesman

I just started a bit of dynamic programming this semester so I get the joke but a month ago I would not have gotten it at all.

<3 xkcd.
 
Re: Travelling Salesman

Ha! This joke is written in secret code and is only completely understandable to ones who are complexity theorists! (Devil)
 
Re: Travelling Salesman

Yes, well, as Mephistopheles says in Goethe's Faust,

My worthy friend, gray are all theories,
And green alone Life's golden tree.

(Though it's taken a bit out of context.) People may conceive and develop beautiful theories, like those about complexity or encryption, but there are thousands of circumstances that are impossible to take into account and that can override all efforts put into those theories. For example, ten years ago a paper (PDF) was published about vulnerabilities in the Java virtual machine where memory faults were induced by heat (!) and then exploited in order to execute arbitrary code. You can prove that Java is type-safe until you are blue in the face, and then someone comes along and does something you never imagined.

Here is another example from the movie Under Siege 2 with Steven Seagal (scroll to 24s).

 
Re: Travelling Salesman

:D That was hilarious!

A lot is said about Chuck Norris. But Seagal solves any NP problem in 1 second.
 
Re: Travelling Salesman

mathbalarka said:
Ha! This joke is written in secret code and is only completely understandable to ones who are complexity theorists! (Devil)

Sadly, that's not where my stupidity was lying.I understood the premise. Just wasn't geting that there is no need for route planning on the internet. Hence banging my head against the wall.
 
P != NP

Problem solved.(Muscle)(Muscle)(Muscle)(Toivo)
 
Brute force solution to any computer programming problem:

EMP pulse-no computers, no problem.
 
  • #10
Deveno said:
Brute force solution to any computer programming problem:

EMP pulse-no computers, no problem.

You and I are about the same age...you remember the drills in school where we were herded into the halls to kneel down with a book over our heads in preparation for the impending thermonuclear barrage? Fun times...(Dull)
 
  • #11
Duck and cover FTW.
 

Similar threads

Graduate Difficult to understand the solution provided in the video (travelling salesman problem)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Job Skills Occupational outlook and career exploration
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K
Job Skills Degrees with actual guaranteed jobs after graduation?
  • · Replies 80 ·
3
Replies
80
Views
5K
Job Skills Physics Careers: Expectations vs. Reality
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Job Skills Is it worth taking examinations that don't require hands-on practice?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Job Skills When would it be appropriate to stop trying to find an entry level engineering job?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Engineering Nuclear Engineering Jobs that Require a lot of Travel
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Other Struggling to Find a Job – Considering My Next Steps
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Engineering Mechanical Engineers: What's your job?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Job Skills My current job shows some limitations, I need some guidance please
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K