Software Engineering Daily Turing Award Special: A Conversation with David Patterson
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Apr 10, 2025 David Patterson, a pioneering computer scientist and co-developer of RISC, shares insights into his transformative journey in computer architecture. He discusses the evolution from traditional instruction sets to RISC-V, emphasizing its role in machine learning. The conversation explores the shift towards memory-centric computing, challenges in machine learning, and the environmental impact of data centers. Patterson also touches on the future of AI and the importance of sustainable practices in technology, showcasing the incredible advancements and challenges ahead.
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Early CS Reactions
- David Patterson's relatives initially didn't react to his computer science studies in the 1960s.
- Computing wasn't seen as the future then, but now they recognize his wise field choice.
RISC vs. CISC
- RISC, co-developed by David Patterson and John Hennessy, uses simpler instructions executed faster.
- This contrasts with complex instruction sets needing fewer but slower instructions.
RISC Evolution
- David Patterson and John Hennessy developed multiple RISC architectures at Berkeley and Stanford.
- Modern instruction sets are still similar to the core of RISC-1 from the 1980s.
