The Eric Normand Podcast Computing Then and Now
Jan 18, 2021
Explore the groundbreaking contributions of Maurice Wilkes that revolutionized software libraries and microprogramming. Reflect on the historical challenges of early computer development and how our perspective on progress has evolved over time. Discover the shift from batch processing to time-sharing systems and the ongoing debates over programming languages. Delve into the importance of programming languages and data structures, and examine the role of the Association for Computing Machinery in fostering community in the tech world.
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Wilkes foresaw software value
- Maurice Wilkes foresaw the long-term value of software over hardware in computing.
- He recognized that 'automatic programming' would facilitate software reuse and ease development.
Choose long-term algorithmic improvements
- Programming optimization for early memory was clever but short-sighted.
- Wilkes prioritized algorithm and data structure improvements over micro-optimizations tied to soon-to-be outdated technology.
Fund experimental computing research
- Wilkes advises funding research for experimental computer systems regardless of immediate commercial use.
- He stresses that failures in such research are natural and pave the way for future progress.