Advent of Computing Episode 10.5 - The Jargon File
Aug 18, 2019
Delve into the fascinating roots of hacker culture as the discussion centers around the Jargon File. This important document reveals the humor and unique terminology that shaped early programming. Discover how it represents shared values within the subculture and its evolution since the 1970s. Plus, hear a bit about restoring a classic IBM PS/2 Model 25, blending nostalgia with tech history.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Understanding Hacker Culture Roots
- Hacker culture is a network of subcultures with shared experiences, values, myths, and tales.
- The Jargon File reveals that hackers are programmers embedded in a unique cultural context, not malicious intruders.
Jargon File as Cultural Document
- The Jargon File is more than a dictionary; it's a cultural document full of inside jokes and folklore.
- It reflects how programmers of the time viewed the world and communicated with each other.
Jargon File's Collaborative Origins
- The Jargon File began in 1975 by Raphael Finkel at Stanford's AI Lab as AI Word.
- It grew collaboratively, with contributions from legends like Richard Stallman and Guy Steele at Stanford and MIT.
