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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

“The initial motive for developing APL was to provide a tool for writing and teaching. Although APL has been exploited mostly in commercial programming, I continue to believe that its most important use remains to be exploited: as a simple, precise, executable notation for the teaching of a wide range of subjects.”

Writing Believe Has Beens Important Use Simple Teaching Subjects Tools Remains Wide Developing Range Motive Programming Precise Initials

Author:Kenneth E. Iverson

“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

“If it is to be effective as a tool of thought, a notation must allow convenient expression not only of notions arising directly from a problem, but also of those arising in subsequent analysis, generalization, and specialization.”

Ifs Problem Expression Tools Notion Analysis Convenient Generalization Specialization

Author:Kenneth E. Iverson

“The utility of a language as a tool of thought increases with the range of topics it can treat, but decreases with the amount of vocabulary and the complexity of grammatical rules which the user must keep in mind. Economy of notation is therefore important.”

Mind Important Language Economy Amount Tools Treats Increase Range Complexity Users Topics Vocabulary Utility Decrease

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

“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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