The question of whether computers can think is just like the question of
whether submarines can swim. -- Edsger W. Dijkstra
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Fortune Quote #879
The primary purpose of the DATA statement is to give names to constants;
instead of referring to pi as 3.141592653589793 at every appearance, the
variable PI can be given that value with a DATA statement and used instead
of the longer form of the constant. This also simplifies modifying the
program, should the value of pi change. -- FORTRAN manual for Xerox
Computers
instead of referring to pi as 3.141592653589793 at every appearance, the
variable PI can be given that value with a DATA statement and used instead
of the longer form of the constant. This also simplifies modifying the
program, should the value of pi change. -- FORTRAN manual for Xerox
Computers
Monday, December 29, 2014
Fortune Quote #878
The idea that an arbitrary naive human should be able to properly use a
given tool without training or understanding is even more wrong for
computing than it is for other tools (e.g. automobiles, airplanes, guns,
power saws). -- Doug Gwyn
given tool without training or understanding is even more wrong for
computing than it is for other tools (e.g. automobiles, airplanes, guns,
power saws). -- Doug Gwyn
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Fortune Quote #877
The difference between art and science is that science is what we
understand well enough to explain to a computer. Art is everything
else. -- Donald Knuth, "Discover"
understand well enough to explain to a computer. Art is everything
else. -- Donald Knuth, "Discover"
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Fortune Quote #876
The connection between the language in which we think/program and the
problems and solutions we can imagine is very close. For this reason
restricting language features with the intent of eliminating programmer
errors is at best dangerous. -- Bjarne Stroustrup
problems and solutions we can imagine is very close. For this reason
restricting language features with the intent of eliminating programmer
errors is at best dangerous. -- Bjarne Stroustrup
Friday, December 26, 2014
Fortune Quote #875
The Analytical Engine weaves Algebraical patterns just as the Jacquard
loom weaves flowers and leaves. -- Ada Augusta, Countess of
Lovelace, the first programmer
loom weaves flowers and leaves. -- Ada Augusta, Countess of
Lovelace, the first programmer
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Fortune Quote #874
The algorithm for finding the longest path in a graph is NP-complete. For
you systems people, that means it's *real slow*. -- Bart Miller
you systems people, that means it's *real slow*. -- Bart Miller
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Fortune Quote #873
That's the thing about people who think they hate computers. What they
really hate is lousy programmers. -- Larry Niven and Jerry
Pournelle, in "Oath of Fealty"
really hate is lousy programmers. -- Larry Niven and Jerry
Pournelle, in "Oath of Fealty"
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Fortune Quote #872
"Real computer scientists despise the idea of actual hardware. Hardware
has limitations, software doesn't. It's a real shame that Turing machines
are so poor at I/O."
has limitations, software doesn't. It's a real shame that Turing machines
are so poor at I/O."
Monday, December 22, 2014
Fortune Quote #871
... one of the main causes of the fall of the Roman Empire was that,
lacking zero, they had no way to indicate successful termination of their C
programs. -- Robert Firth
lacking zero, they had no way to indicate successful termination of their C
programs. -- Robert Firth
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