On: Damn Cool Algorithms: Cardinality Estimation

[brilee]

A minor nitpick... 'cardinality' in mathematics refers to a set of infinities. The set of all integers has a certain cardinality, which is equal to the cardinality of all rational numbers, but which is smaller than the cardinality of all irrational numbers.

"Size estimation" is sufficient; no need to get fancy with words you don't know the meaning of.

[lotharbot → brilee]

His usage is correct.

Cardinality refers to the size of any set. This includes finite, countable, and uncountable sets.

The sequence of cardinal numbers is transfinite: 0, 1, 2, ... , n, ..., aleph_0, aleph_1, ...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardinality

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardinal_number

[code0 → brilee]

The OP is correct. Cardinality in mathematics is the number of elements in a set[1]. What you are probably referring to is the concept of cardinal numbers[2]. I guess you can skip the smug tone.

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardinality [2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardinal_number

[Sniffnoy → code0]

He can't even claim that. Cardinal numbers include the finite cardinals, after all.

[arnarbi → brilee]

> no need to get fancy with words you don't know the meaning of.

If you want to write things that leave no room for you being mistaken, it is a good idea to double check what you are saying.

https://www.google.com/webhp?#hl=en&q=cardinality&tb...

[mikeash → brilee]

The irony of your crushingly ignorant post nearly killed me.