The following exercises are once again all word-y ones. Some of this stuff is interesting to learn but I'm not writing any essays; I've done my time.
Chapter 22 // Exercise 7
We have "missed" many important languages. In particular, we essentially had to cut all developments after C++. Make a list of five modern languages that you think ought to be covered and write a page and a half (lol) - along the lines of the language sections in this chapter - on three of those.
So I guess the 4 "major" ones not covered would be; Python, Java, Javascript (and all it's fecking friends) and C#. I couldn't decide on the 5th but I guess Objective-C is pretty popular with those iOS programmers *shudder*.
Chapter 22 // Exercise 8, 9, 10
8) What is C++ used for and why? Write a 10- to 20-page report.
9) What is C used for and why? Write a 10- to 20-page report.
10) Pick a language (not C or C++) and write a 10- to 20-page description of its aims, origins and facilities.
In all seriousness; C++ is used by people who like programming and C is used by people who like torturing themselves; just use C++ (unless you're in embedded systems or something).
Java - Used by people for reasons unknown.
Chapter 22 // Exercise 11
Who currently holds the Lucasian Chair in Cambridge?
According to this source:
It's Professor Michael Cates. I had no idea what the Lucasian Chair was before this; it was founded in 1663 and is one of the most prestigious academic postings in the world? Apparently, in Star Trek: TNG, Data is the current holder.
Chapter 22 // Exercise 12, 13, 14
12) Of the language designers mentioned in this chapter, who has a degree in mathematics, who does not?
13) Of the language designers mentioned in this chapter, who has a Ph.D? In which field? Who does not have a Ph.D?
14) Of the language designers mentioned in this chapter, who has received the Turing Award?
David Wheeler: Awarded the worlds first PhD in Computer Science in 1951 (very cool).
Maurice Wilkes: PhD in Physics. Turing Award in 1967.
Stanley Gill: Mathematic degree (I think). Has PhD, not sure what in.
John Backus: Doesn't have a PhD, but has a bachelors and masters in mathematics. Turing Award in 1977.
Grace Murray Hopper: PhD and BSc in mathematics.
John McCarthy: PhD and BSc in mathematics. Turing Award in 1971.
Peter Naur: PhD in Philosophy. Turing Award in 2005.
Edsger Dijkstra: Has a PhD, doesn't say what in. I'm guessing Computer Science. Turing Award in 1972.
Niklaus Wirth: PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Turing Award in 1984.
Anders Hejlsberg: Has no PhD but is the current lead dev for C# at Microsoft, found him on Teams. I always find it amusing that I can just send fellow Microsoft employees a DM. There is a part of me that just wants to send Satya Nadella "yo whattup??". But I like my job and don't want to lose it.
Kristen Nygaard: Msc in Mathematics. No PhD. Turing Award in 2001.
Ole-Johan Dahl: Unsure what education he has. Turing Award in 2001.
Dennis Ritchie: BSc in Physics and Applied Mathematics. PhD never officially received. Turing Award in 1983.
Ken Thompson: BSc in eletrical engineering and computer science. No PhD. Turing Award in 1983.
Doug McIlroy: BSc in Engineering Physics. PhD in Applied Mathematics.
Brian Kernighan: BSc in Enegineering Physics. PhD in Electrical Engineering.
Martin Richards: BSc in Mathematics. PhD in Programming Language Design and Implementation.
Christopher Strachey: BSc in Natural Sciences Tripos.
Bjarne Stroustrup: MSc in Mathematics and Computer Science. PhD in Computer Science.
Alex Stepanov: Not a lot of info on this man.
Hi. Your link of exercises is broken:
ReplyDeletehttp://theparryeffectprogramming.blogspot.com/p/principles-programming.html
Thanks for this! That is so odd. That was the old blog name from when I first created it in early 2016. It's been lptcp for a good 5 years.
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