I do not have a PHD in CS myself, but for anyone reading this, you should still make a habit of reading papers you do not understand. You'll likely pick up bits and pieces and learn even if you dont understand what you're reading exactly, assuming you have a minimum foundation.
One of the most stressful parts of grad school in a new field (to me) was pouring over dozens of papers that I did not understand. I wish I had known then that you dont HAVE to understand every part of everything you read, especially when new to an academic field with few or no textbooks. Just be sure to watch how certain you are in your conclusions until you're comfortable with the material.
One of the most stressful parts of grad school in a new field (to me) was pouring over dozens of papers that I did not understand. I wish I had known then that you dont HAVE to understand every part of everything you read, especially when new to an academic field with few or no textbooks. Just be sure to watch how certain you are in your conclusions until you're comfortable with the material.