An old interview of Dijkstra (1985)
In a 1985 interview, Edsger W. Dijkstra discussed the widening gap between computing science and industry practices. He emphasized the importance of good programming over clever programming and highlighted the need for changes in organizational structures within companies. Dijkstra also noted that the rise of personal computers has not necessarily improved user experience due to complexities in design and functional illiteracy among users.
- ▪Dijkstra was born in 1930 in Rotterdam and had a significant academic career in mathematics and computer science.
- ▪He observed that the gap between computing science and industry practices has widened over the years.
- ▪Dijkstra advocated for better training and organizational changes to improve software quality.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Interview Prof. Dr. Edsger W. Dijkstra, Austin, 04–03–1985©Rogier F. van Vlissingen Biographical Details 1930: Born in Rotterdam, Holland 1948–1956: Studied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at the University of Leyden 1952–1962: Worked at the Mathematical Center In Amsterdam—first ever person on payroll as programmer 1957: Married—Justice of the peace would not accept programmer as profession for the records, so theoretical physicist used instead. 1962–1973: Professor of Mathematics at the Technical University of Eindhoven, Holland 1973–1984: Burroughs Research Fellow and Professor Extraordinarius at Eindhoven— "Burroughs' smallest research lab was my study." 1984: Professor and Schlumberger Centennial Chair in computer sciences at the University of Texas at Austin.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Utexas.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Utexas
