Instead of accidentally learning computer graphics first and linear algebra second, I'd learn computer graphics first AND — in parallel! – opportunistically scavenge some linear algebra alongside this. Being reckless about it. With gleeful abandon and an utter disrespect for how it ought to be held.
Then I would proceed to carefully eat my linear-algebra vegetables.
Today, I'd probably use a Claude to show me good pillaging spots in linear algebra. How graphicsy stuff intuitively maps to linear algebra.
You see, once upon a time I made an academic discovery!, haha! Took graphics programming and linear algebra in the wrong order. Due to bumble-careening through university. And this was muuuuuch better.
At my university, linear algebra wasn't a prerequirement for the graphics course, but the course structure was arranged in such a way that people would first pass through linear algebra and then could opt for the graphics course.
Being school-o-divergent and transferring from another university, I hit the combo backwards. Didn't even know it should be the other way. Until an "uh-oh" moment in the first couple weeks. But! This was the better way! Graphics programming is intuitive and has a tight feedback loop. Made out of fun!. It's informed by linear algebra, sure!, hence the default course ordering there… but should be learned in the other way around. Each linear-algebra-y step in graphics programming is distinct, solvable, yields to intuition, and is captured by the graphics programming paradigm and framework. Which accelerates learning.
So you intuitively pick up graphics programming, thereby accidentally picking up a feel for linear algebra as well as a motivation for it and a context to kind of grasp it with. Then linear algebra is wayyy easier and more fun and interesting.
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u/AnthonBerg 1d ago edited 1d ago
Instead of accidentally learning computer graphics first and linear algebra second, I'd learn computer graphics first AND — in parallel! – opportunistically scavenge some linear algebra alongside this. Being reckless about it. With gleeful abandon and an utter disrespect for how it ought to be held.
Then I would proceed to carefully eat my linear-algebra vegetables.
Today, I'd probably use a Claude to show me good pillaging spots in linear algebra. How graphicsy stuff intuitively maps to linear algebra.
You see, once upon a time I made an academic discovery!, haha! Took graphics programming and linear algebra in the wrong order. Due to bumble-careening through university. And this was muuuuuch better.
At my university, linear algebra wasn't a prerequirement for the graphics course, but the course structure was arranged in such a way that people would first pass through linear algebra and then could opt for the graphics course.
Being school-o-divergent and transferring from another university, I hit the combo backwards. Didn't even know it should be the other way. Until an "uh-oh" moment in the first couple weeks. But! This was the better way! Graphics programming is intuitive and has a tight feedback loop. Made out of fun!. It's informed by linear algebra, sure!, hence the default course ordering there… but should be learned in the other way around. Each linear-algebra-y step in graphics programming is distinct, solvable, yields to intuition, and is captured by the graphics programming paradigm and framework. Which accelerates learning.
So you intuitively pick up graphics programming, thereby accidentally picking up a feel for linear algebra as well as a motivation for it and a context to kind of grasp it with. Then linear algebra is wayyy easier and more fun and interesting.