This is a very brief and very selective history of software as it relates to programming, and especially as it relates to programming languages and C++. The aim is to give a background and a perspective to the ideas presented in this course. | Software ideals and history Bjarne Stroustrup Abstract This is a very brief and very selective history of software as it relates to programming, and especially as it relates to programming languages and C++. The aim is to give a background and a perspective to the ideas presented in this course. We would have loved to talk about operating systems, data bases, networking, the web, scripting, etc., but you’ll have to find those important and useful areas of software and programming in other courses. Stroustrup/Programming Overview Ideals Aims, heroes, techniques Languages and language designers Early languages to C++ (There is so much more than what we can cover) Stroustrup/Programming History and ideas One opinion “History is bunk” Another opinion “He who does not know history is condemned to repeat it” Our view There can be no professionalism without history If you know too little of the background of your field you are gullible History is . | Software ideals and history Bjarne Stroustrup Abstract This is a very brief and very selective history of software as it relates to programming, and especially as it relates to programming languages and C++. The aim is to give a background and a perspective to the ideas presented in this course. We would have loved to talk about operating systems, data bases, networking, the web, scripting, etc., but you’ll have to find those important and useful areas of software and programming in other courses. Stroustrup/Programming Overview Ideals Aims, heroes, techniques Languages and language designers Early languages to C++ (There is so much more than what we can cover) Stroustrup/Programming History and ideas One opinion “History is bunk” Another opinion “He who does not know history is condemned to repeat it” Our view There can be no professionalism without history If you know too little of the background of your field you are gullible History is littered with plausible ideas that didn’t work “I have a bridge I’d like to sell you” Ideas and ideals are crucial for practical use And they are the real “meat” of history Stroustrup/Programming What is a programming language? A tool for instructing machines A notation for algorithms A means for communication among programmers A tool for experimentation A means for controlling computer-controlled gadgets A means for controlling computerized devices A way of expressing relationships among concepts A means for expressing high-level designs All of the above! And more Stroustrup/Programming Greek heroes Every culture and profession must have ideals and heroes Physics: Newton, Einstein, Bohr, Feynman Math: Euclid, Euler, Hilbert Medicine: Hippocrates, Pasteur, Fleming Stroustrup/Programming Geek heroes Brian Kernighan Programmer and writer extraordinaire Dennis Ritchie Designer and original implementer of C Stroustrup/Programming Another geek hero Kristen Nygaard Co-inventor .
