Why study theory of computation?

What exactly are computers? What are the limits of computing and all its exciting discoveries? Are there problems in the world that computers can never, EVER solve? Theory of computation is the fascinating theoretical study of computer science that explores the limitations of computing—which, of course, anyone can learn. :)

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Additional resources:

Michael Sipser. 2006. Introduction to the Theory of Computation (2nd. ed.). International Thomson Publishing.
- The main source of my Theory of Computation knowledge (a textbook).

De Mol, Liesbeth, "Turing Machines", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Winter 2019 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.)
- To learn more about the Entscheidungsproblem, for which Turing originally invented the concept of Turing Machines.
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Finally, this video project could not have been done without the support and guidance of Audrey St. John at Mount Holyoke College, a truly incredible professor-mentor-human.

[zhouwang]

Every theory intensive course should have a first lecture like this to motivate students! I am glad I ran across this video, and I am very much motivated by TOC now. Thanks!

[raghavgoel]

Procrastinating my theory of computation assignment brought me here... Was worth it!

[nawalkhawar]

I'm not even joking when I say I feel so happy I want to cry: I found your channel today and it is such a huge serotonin boost!
I'm a CS student currently studying Theory of Automata and it's safe to say I'll be bingeing your videos to prep for exams. Thank you for making them!!

[minxxdia]

my teacher showed us your video in class, came here to say it's brilliant !

[Farreach]

Theory is a very hard class for sure I was so lucky to have an amazing instructor to teach it to me ...

[jpfdjsldfji]

If you can find the time to, I would really appreciate more content! I'm a student with ADHD, and your addition of humour and animations are the only thing that can keep me engaged with this topic and help me learn!

Thank you for your effort and time:)

[masterprattu]

Thanks for so cogently explaining why students of CS need to study Theory of Computation! I loved your style of explaining the content, as well as the other information and the practical advice you have given in the video. Your animations are great as well. All the best, and looking forward to your next videos :)

[ohgeetube]

Please keep making videos. This channel is the best for theory of computation on youtube, trust me i've been searching.
I just watched your pumping lemma videos, and as someone that is trying to prepare for an exam I must saynthat so far you were the only person explaining the concept in a way that left no open questions.
I wish my Profs would watch this, they could learn a thing or two form you as well 😁

[Abbas-egru]

Our world consists of a lot of patterns. And one of them is a disability of university teachers to motivate and then explain/teach things like Theory of Computation like you did!

[Abdulrahman-ukny]

please don't stop making videos, your videos are so helpful.

[abhishekjain]

Super explanation 😃
Gave strength and also here more than the computer itself, here instructor or teacher is valuable. I am glad to have one such amazing teacher.

[atharvaswami]

girl made a playlist on TOC and then just vanished.

[larry]

I wish I found this account 3 weeks ago... I would've definitely passed my exam with these wonderful videos!

[natalie.p]

Thank you. If I hadn't come across your video, I would've never learned TOC seriously. Thanks so much <3

[prasadmangal]

these series of videos that you have put out is really helpful, I could not make it to class and fell behind my peers and really resented this subject, but these videos really helped 😁

[devdude]

Thanks for the video, I love the way you have explained such complex topics in simple terms that even school kids could understand.

You have earned a subscriber 👍

[zeydbahadir]

Brilliant explanation, I love the way it is simple.

[chrisogonas]

Amazing work, Lydia Cheah! Keep doing more. Thanks

[tubetalk]

Learned something new today. Thanks. You deserve millions views.

[tianyiluo]

I love the way you explain the concept and those cute drawings!