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From: ForthNet@willett.pgh.pa.us (ForthNet articles from GEnie)
Newsgroups: comp.lang.forth
Subject: Blocks vs Text files
Message-ID: <1515.UUL1.3#5129@willett.pgh.pa.us>
Date: 13 Aug 90 03:45:23 GMT
Organization: String, Scotch tape, and Paperclips.  (in Pgh, PA)
Lines: 62


 Date: 08-04-90 (14:55)              Number: 657 (Echo)
   To: GARY SMITH                    Refer#: 616
 From: ZAFAR ESSAK                     Read: 08-09-90 (22:32)
 Subj: THOUGHTS ON FORTH             Status: PUBLIC MESSAGE

 > This leads me to a side point.  Which is more fundamental?  That is 
 > which is more appropriately "built from" the other? 

 >  A sequence of 1024 byte blocks, or 
 >  A stream of bytes. 

 > Conceptually, the stream of bytes seems more fundamental because it 
 > is more general.  Practically, blocks seem better matched to the 
 > underlying media. Of course, that is only an ephemeral match that 
 > will last so long as the media technologies are like they are now. 

 It appears to me that you have already answered the question by the 
 way you have phrased it. 

 Assumption #1. 

     The concept of a stream of bytes is the fundamental representation 
     of human thought and information. 

 Assumption #2. 

     Blocks are the most efficient means of access to the storage media 
     of current technologies. 

 Conclusion #1. 

     Therefore, blocks should be the interface to the hardware and 
     streams should be the interface to the humans. 

 Corollary #1. 

     As technologies change, more efficient methods of access to the 
     storage media may be developed and replace blocks. 

 Corollary #2. 

     The Stream approach will remain as the fundamental user model 
     until such time as our understanding of human thought and 
     information changes. 

 ============================================== 

 From my experience I would support Assumption #1. 

 From the experience of others as voiced on the Forth Net it appears 
 that assumption# 2 may also be true. 


 Zafar Essak. 
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