Donald Knuth's 1986 reflection on the IBM 650 celebrates its profound impact on his formative years as a programmer and computer scientist. He fondly details the machine's quirks, from its rotating magnetic drum memory and bi-quinary arithmetic to its unique assembly language, SOAP. Knuth emphasizes the 650's educational value, arguing that its limitations encouraged creative problem-solving and a deep understanding of computational processes. He contrasts this with the relative "black box" nature of later machines, lamenting the lost art of optimizing code for specific hardware characteristics. Ultimately, the essay is a tribute to the 650's role in fostering a generation of programmers who learned to think deeply about computation at a fundamental level.
The frequently misattributed quote, "I think there is a world market for maybe five computers," is almost certainly not something Thomas Watson (Sr. or Jr.) of IBM ever said. While the exact origin remains elusive, the phrase likely emerged in the early days of computing as a reflection of the then-prevailing belief that computers were massive, expensive machines suitable only for government or large corporations. The story's persistence stems from its encapsulating the difficulty of predicting technological advancements and the dramatic evolution of computers from room-sized behemoths to ubiquitous personal devices. Various possible sources and similar quotes exist, but none definitively link the famous phrase to IBM or Watson.
Hacker News commenters discuss the often-misattributed quote about the limited market for computers. Several point out that the quote's origins are murky, with some suggesting it's a distortion of Howard Aiken's or Thomas Watson Sr.'s sentiments, while others link it to anecdotally attributed quotes in the early days of mainframe computing. Some highlight the difficulty of predicting technological adoption and the shifting definition of "computer" over time. One commenter mentions a similar misattribution regarding the market for automobiles, illustrating a broader pattern of underestimating transformative technologies. The overall sentiment reflects a shared understanding that such quotes, while entertaining, are often historically inaccurate and ultimately demonstrate the fallibility of early technological forecasting.
Summary of Comments ( 10 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43240301
HN commenters generally express appreciation for Knuth's historical perspective and the glimpse into early computing. Several share personal anecdotes of using the IBM 650, recalling its quirks like the rotating drum memory and the challenges of programming with SOAP (Symbolic Optimum Assembly Program). Some discuss the significant impact the 650 had despite its limitations, highlighting its role in educating a generation of programmers and paving the way for future advancements. One commenter points out the machine's influence on Knuth's later work, specifically The Art of Computer Programming. Others compare and contrast the 650 with other early computers and discuss the evolution of programming languages and techniques. A few commenters express interest in emulating the 650.
The Hacker News post titled "The IBM 650: An appreciation from the field (1986) [pdf]" linking to a PDF of Donald Knuth's reflections on the IBM 650 has generated several comments. Many commenters share their own nostalgic experiences and technical insights related to the machine.
One compelling comment thread discusses the "quirks" of the IBM 650's architecture, particularly its decimal arithmetic and the use of bi-quinary representation. Commenters detail how these design choices, while seemingly unusual today, were logical given the technological constraints of the time and the desire for easy conversion to and from decimal for human operators. They delve into the specific mechanics of bi-quinary, explaining how it facilitated error detection and offered advantages in implementing arithmetic circuits.
Several commenters reminisce about their personal experiences using the IBM 650 or similar machines, sharing anecdotes about programming with punched cards, the physical presence and sounds of the machine, and the challenges of debugging code in that era. These personal stories provide a vivid illustration of the early days of computing.
Another commenter highlights the influence of the IBM 650 on the development of symbolic assemblers, specifically SOAP (Symbolic Optimal Assembly Program). They explain how the constraints of the machine's architecture, like its limited memory capacity and the nature of its instruction set, drove innovation in programming tools.
The discussion also touches on the broader historical context of the IBM 650, its role in the evolution of computer science education, and its impact on subsequent computer architectures. One comment emphasizes the importance of Knuth's writing in preserving the history of computing, allowing modern readers to appreciate the ingenuity and challenges faced by early computer pioneers.
A few comments focus on the technical details of the IBM 650's magnetic drum memory, including discussions about its capacity, access times, and the techniques used to optimize program performance by strategically placing instructions and data on the drum to minimize latency.
Finally, several commenters express their appreciation for the opportunity to read Knuth's reflections, praising his clear and engaging writing style and his ability to convey the essence of working with a now-historic machine. The general sentiment reflects a fascination with the history of computing and an acknowledgment of the IBM 650's significant role in its development.