Definition
Plain language
One of the most prestigious annual conferences in theoretical computer science.
As stated in the literature
The ACM Symposium on Theory of Computing, a top-tier theoretical-computer-science venue; cited as the peer-reviewed source of a proof whose gap an autoformalization agent surfaced.
Why it matters: It matters because appearing there signals a result has passed rigorous peer review at the top of theoretical computer science.
For example, a landmark algorithm result might first be presented at STOC before spreading through the field.
Heard on the show
“… An AI system read a proof that had already cleared peer review at STOC — one of the most selective conferences in all of theoretical computer science — tried to rewrite …”Episode 188 — A Coding Agent Found a Hole in a Peer-Reviewed STOC Proof for Five Dollars