Aihuxs.121
net.followup
utzoo!decvax!harpo!ihnss!ihuxs!steffen
Thu May  6 13:32:49 1982
Dijkstra

Have you noticed how Dijkstra is trying to take the computer out of Computer
Science, i.e., he always calls it Computing Science.  It it typical of his
SIGPLAN articles to list everything he doesn't like on a subject and
nothing that he does.  I am left with the impression that he doesn't like
any programming language except the notation he used in his programming
methodology book.  I suspect that he hates programming and is trying to
remold Computer Science into a mathematical discipline because that is the
only aspect of it he likes.  Hence the term "Computing Science" and the
statement that "a mathematical inclination... is the most vital asset of a
competent programmer."  In nine years of programming I have never used any
math beyond simple arithmetic; and yet I've had no difficulty programming
compilers, data base generators, and telephone switching system.

I wasn't the slightest bit uncomfortable after reading Dijkstra's list of
things he doesn't like.  I respect his work on semaphores and structured
programming, but I resent his dogmatic opinions being published as the
"Truth According to Dijkstra."  I'm waiting for him to publish "The Bible of
Computing Science."

				Joe Steffen
				Bell Labs, Indian Hill
				(312) 979-5381
				UUCPnet: ucbvax!ihnss!ihuxs!steffen