I love my computer. I love the principles behind it, and I love how it’s completely changed my life. I still remember the dark ages before computers, and the occasional blackout reminds me I simply can’t go back.
In college, my love for my computer drove me to study the foundations of computing. I searched for answers to the most basic questions: what is computing, fundamentally? What role does physics play? After all, aren’t computers just circuits and transistors, given life and meaning by the electricity that runs through them? While the answers to these questions can be subtle, the explanation I found most appealing is simple: at the heart of computing is mathematics and problem solving. Mathematics gives us the tools to analyze reality. Computing simply automates the employment of those tools to solve problems.
All this theory can distract from one basic fact: computers allow us to do some of the most amazing things. We can sort our entire life’s music collection by artist or album with a single click, and we can get a listing of all the stores within a few blocks of our current location in two. And while I greatly enjoyed the theoretical research I did in college, building things that change people’s lives is the essence of programming, and I needed to be closer to that. So today I run a young consulting company, Phase Six, that builds ambitious applications for other people. Through all my experience developing and using software, I’ve made many observations and come to a few principles that I think are very valuable. Now, I want to get these ideas out into the world.
Each week at Bend the Line, I want us to examine a problem vexing developers, designers, and users of modern computer applications. On occasion, we’ll apply principles to real life by discussing a particular application or device. Ultimately, I want to encourage you to participate in these discussions as well, and the comment section for each article is available for this purpose.
I used to joke that my first words growing up were “I disagree”. I have always been very opinionated, and I don’t take ideas for granted. With this forum, I hope to offer each of you a refreshingly new and different point of view toward computer applications, one that doesn’t necessarily conform to the standard way of looking at things. You may not always agree with me, but my hope is that even then, seeing the problem from a new perspective will help you figure out your own answer.
Well, based on the implicit modern conception “I blog, therefor I am,” congratulations on your newfound existence. May it be long and interesting.
Interesting podernings on the nature of computing. It seems that you are looking at it from three different angles. Physics (the “what” of computation), mathmatics (the “how”) and technology that improves people’s lives (the “why”). Does this seem accurate to you?
It does. I wasn’t specifically going for a three there, but it’s fitting. I like the three concepts you use to describe the different angles: physics, mathematics, and technology. But, you could replace technology with engineering, as I do think of engineering as the discipline of applying mathematics and physics toward the creation of technology. Amusingly, I was trying to find a better word for “stuff” or “things” for the sentence about the third angle. I think technology would have worked well in that context.
Oh, and welcome to the site!
Compelling introduction! I think this is a side of computing and programming that is seriously under represented on the internets at large and I’m looking forward to reading into your head more.
Congratulations on the new blog!
Thanks Jeremy. I feel like you and Lauren both really get a lot of the things I’m trying to say with this blog. That’s what makes it such a pleasure for me to work with you guys. An unfortunate consequence of this is that I feel like many things I mention here won’t be that new to you both. Oh well.
A fantastic introduction - I especially like the part about your first words being “I disagree.” I was always told that mine were “whassat?” or the baby talk equivalent of “what’s that?” Funny how we don’t change much as we grow up. I’m still a pest hanging over your shoulder while you work on the backend. And you’re an oppinionated partner (though not irrationally disagreeable). I love that you’re always up for a debate, looking to hash out the angles and find the ways many ways to view things, and ultimately to execute problem solving. Makes for a great programmer and an awesome partner
I can’t wait to read the upcoming posts and watch the blog evolve!
I do like arguing. Curiosity is good thing though and I really don’t mind the questions. One thing I’m gonna have to insist on though is that you post on your blog more often! Well, maybe after we finish the million things we’re working on now…
Anyway, thanks for reading and commenting. I’m actually looking forward to the many hours of work we have ahead of us. It’s really fun working with you two.