In addition to being discovered twice, by Gallagher and Glavieux & Berrou, LDPC codes have deep connections to the belief propagation algorithm, which was discovered in machine learning, and algorithms for spin glasses which were discovered in physics.
There's a great temptation going here to say that this type of algorithm is at a sweet spot for understanding communication, learning, and some physical systems. The behavior of belief propagation at state transitions is quite fascinating, and it really feels as though there is a great discovery to be made there.
I have the utmost respect for coding researchers; every time I read their papers I get new ideas. If you're a programmer interested in writing fast code or coming up with new algorithms, I'd recommend occasionally slipping a coding paper into your reading list.
There's a great temptation going here to say that this type of algorithm is at a sweet spot for understanding communication, learning, and some physical systems. The behavior of belief propagation at state transitions is quite fascinating, and it really feels as though there is a great discovery to be made there.
I have the utmost respect for coding researchers; every time I read their papers I get new ideas. If you're a programmer interested in writing fast code or coming up with new algorithms, I'd recommend occasionally slipping a coding paper into your reading list.