Two's Complement Time For Computers
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Dec 18, 2022 Ben and Matt dive into the incredible speed of computers, comparing their lightning-fast operations to our more leisurely human cognition. They humorously showcase the challenges of multitasking, both in machines and for us squishy-brained folks. With playful analogies, they tackle the significance of cache performance and the quirks of tech timelines, including the comical delays of data retrieval. The duo also stumbles through the complexities of calculating light travel times, making tech talk both entertaining and relatable!
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Runtime Estimation
- Matt Godbolt asked new hires to estimate a C++ function's runtime.
- Their guesses ranged from microseconds to milliseconds, highlighting a lack of intuition for computer speed.
Computer Speed Intuition
- Developers often struggle to internalize how fast computers are.
- This lack of intuition can lead to surprises, even for experienced programmers.
Data Transfer Surprise
- Matt is amazed by the data flow required to drive high-resolution monitors through a small USB-C cable.
- He acknowledges that the math probably checks out, given its functionality.