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Kenneth E. Iverson

Kenneth E. Iverson Quotes

Computer Scientist

Kenneth E. Iverson was a renowned computer scientist known for his contributions to computer programming languages and mathematical notation. He is best known for inventing the APL programming language, a language for scientific computing, and was awarded the Turing Award in 1979 for his contributions to the field.

Famous Kenneth E. Iverson Quotes

“Most programming languages are decidedly inferior to mathematical notation and are little used as tools of thought in ways that would be considered significant by, say, an applied mathematician.”

Way Littles Would Be Used Language Tools Significant Mathematical Programming Inferiors Mathematician Programming Languages

Author:Kenneth E. Iverson

“The properties of executability and universality associated with programming languages can be combined, in a single language, with the well-known properties of mathematical notation which make it such an effective tool of thought.”

Wells Language Known Tools Property Mathematical Programming Well Known Programming Languages Universality

Author:Kenneth E. Iverson

“Overemphasis of efficiency leads to an unfortunate circularity in design: for reasons of efficiency early programming languages reflected the characteristics of the early computers, and each generation of computers reflects the needs of the programming languages of the preceding generation.”

Needs Reason Language Generations Design Computer Characteristics Programming Unfortunate Efficiency Programming Languages Circularity

Author:Kenneth E. Iverson

“Although mathematical notation undoubtedly possesses parsing rules, they are rather loose, sometimes contradictory, and seldom clearly stated. [...] The proliferation of programming languages shows no more uniformity than mathematics. Nevertheless, programming languages do bring a different perspective. [...] Because of their application to a broad range of topics, their strict grammar, and their strict interpretation, programming languages can provide new insights into mathematical notation.”

“The precision provided (or enforced) by programming languages and their execution can identify lacunas, ambiguities, and other areas of potential confusion in conventional [mathematical] notation.”

Language Areas Confusion Mathematical Programming Execution Conventional Ambiguity Precision Programming Languages

Author:Kenneth E. Iverson

“With the computer and programming languages, mathematics has newly-acquired tools, and its notation should be reviewed in the light of them. The computer may, in effect, be used as a patient, precise, and knowledgeable "native speaker" of mathematical notation.”

Should May Light Used Language Effects Computer Tools Mathematics Patient Mathematical Programming Native Speakers Precise Programming Languages Knowledgeable

Author:Kenneth E. Iverson

About the Author

Born: December 17, 1920
Died: October 19, 2004
Known for: Computer Scientist
Quotes: 12

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