note Steve_p <p>Sometimes, just getting away from your preferred language for a while helps you see things in a new light. For example, about a year and a half ago, I was frustrated with Perl and worked with Python for quite a while. There were several things that I found easier to do with Python than what I was now doing with Perl. But, after dealing with lack of support at work for Python, I went back to Perl and started using more advanced Perl, such as references, objects, anonymous sub's, etc.</p> <p>Actually, being an IS guy, I feel your pain regarding theoretical CS. I have struggled with it for quite a while as well. I would highly suggest <a href="http://www.htdp.org">"How to Design Programs"</a> and <a href="http://mitpress.mit.edu/sicp/">"Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs"</a> as a good start for getting a better grip of the theoretical side of CS.</p> 217627 217627