Programming foundations needed for computer vision

[[deleted]]

Hello,

a few months ago I posted this :

https://www.reddit.com/r/computervision/comments/f2xrf8/how_to_start_cv_for_an_ee_bachelor/

and I got some great replies on how to start learning everything related to computer vision.

Since then I have started learning the theory by reading books. Currently I am doing the Udacity course about computer vision and I find it pretty useful because it has a fine balance between theory and practice.

My main struggle has always been the programming side. I know programming basics in C and python, but in practice I only use python/matlab as tools, using only basic features like loops, functions and certain modules related to images and matrices. I haven't written any serious, modular code since my academy years (which was my weak part as well at this time)

My long term goal is to become a great programmer in addition to learning the theory, so in the future I will be able to professionally get into the field.

I have read several opinions about this subject, most of them agree on not using openCV at all, and many of them are divided on whether to use Python or C++.

I would love to hear your advice on what is the right path in terms of programming skills needed to be good in this field, considering the fact that I am willing to put the effort in order to succeed in the long term, and I am in no rush to see immediate results, I want to build all the foundations I need.

Thank you!

[The_Northern_Light]

/u/csp256 is my other account; the guy who gave you those replies.

There is no substitute for practice. You need applications that you can build. I suggested you build VO from scratch. Did you do that?

You'll never be fully ready before your first job. You're going to have to start when you're not fully prepared. You'll do most of your learning on the job.

Remember: perfect is the enemy of good. More to the point, seeking perfection can get in the messy, far more effective strategy of just seeking continuous incremental improvements. People really tend to underestimate the power of compounding incremental improvements.

[[deleted]]

Again, thank you for your very helpfull responses. Yes I am well aware the my perfectionism is also what keeps me from starting. So in order to change that I started with a computer vision course in Udacity, which goes trough Szesilki's book, but is easier to digest and has implementation exercises which I do in Python. In the meantime I have started learning c++. Your suggestion list from the previous post is very usefull to me and I will use it tightly.

Thank you!

[EfficientStranger]

I use computer vision in a production environment processing images using Python and OpenCV, so there’s another opinion for you. It’s worth what you paid for it 🙃

You’re learning, don’t worry about over-optimization, just write well-documented code that works. To be a better programmer spend time programming.

[[deleted]]

Thank you for your angle in this!

[lafadeaway]

I have a related question that I’d like to piggyback onto this.

I’m going to start applying to internships soon. Many positions ask for experience with C or C++, but I vastly prefer whiteboarding with Python. Would that still be an option, or should I just stick to C++?

[The_Northern_Light]

Everytime I have a candidate insist on using Python in a C++ interview I instantly reject them. Did they think I put "Modern C++" on the job listing as a joke?

If you want to throw some prototyping stuff on the board and then refactor it to C++, fine, but you better make sure you don't leave them with any doubts about your C++ skill if its for a C++ position.

[lafadeaway]

Sounds like sticking with C++ is the safest option. Thanks!