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The Philosophical Programmer: Reflections on the Moth in the Machine

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To Err Is Human
Helpful introduction for the novice
it is not computer, it is human behind computer
You need to understand a tool to use it effectively
great for novice programmers

The Philosophical Programmer: Reflections on the Moth in the Machine
Daniel Kohanski
Manufacturer: St Martins Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Amazon.com

Meditative and yet authoritative, The Philosophical Programmer celebrates the creative possibilities of programming while reminding the reader of technology's ethical conundrums. Daniel Kohanski keeps this slim volume rooted in valid examples, providing a rich exploration of the thought process involved in machine code. He treats programming as a language, detailing its elegance and efficiency from the earliest computer inventions to the present day. Because of the book's clear, conversational tone, The Philosophical Programmer can be read cover to cover by nonprogrammers and still be fascinating to knowledgeable veterans.

In the preface to The Philosophical Programmer, Kohanski writes, "In the last five years books have flooded the marketplace describing in detail what some computer product does, or how to write programs in some particular language. Yet there has been very little discussion about what programming is and about the meaning of programs for our lives." Kohanski fills that void with The Philosophical Programmer--a rich and engaging history interwoven with well-constructed commentary. --Jennifer Buckendorff

Customer Reviews:

To Err Is Human.......2007-06-23

To Really Screw Up You Need a Computer...

This is a review of the hard-cover edition published in July 1998. Some of the technical details in the book will seem dated - the philosophical insights are more resonant today than ever. The book itself is very attractive - with a tasteful red dust-cover imprinted with a moth. The writing is well-paced - starting with some background for the non-programmer and moving inexorably toward increased complexity.

There is a section of interesting illustrations - a page from the first IBM Fortran manual, and Grace Hooper's logbook with the original "bug" - literally, a moth that had crawled into a Harvard Mark I and shorted out a relay - hence, "debugging".

Experienced programmers will find chapters of historical interest as well, when Kohanski gets into specific examples, such as "Classes and Types of Statements" and how programs that did not "take the long view" became etched in silicon (until 31-DEC-1999 in the most well-known example). Hence, the sometimes contradictory needs for efficient results and the programmer's often-frustrated desire for clarity and unambiguity in code. A book well worth reading again, nine years after its publication.

Helpful introduction for the novice.......2007-05-03

When TPPRMM was reissued in paperback, it was retitled "Moths in the Machine: The Power and Perils of Programming." I assume the title change was prompted by criticism of the original title, which implied an emphasis on matters "philosophical". As other reviewers have noted, there is very little philosophy in this slim volume save for the author's brief musings, at the beginning and end of the book, on the aesthetic and ethical dimensions of programming. Kohanski's observations on both scores are interesting, but not particularly deep. Far more interesting -- for the non-programmer -- are the middle chapters of TPPRMM, which present a useful overview of the programmer's craft (though not an introduction to programming per se). Kohanski also provides an excellent glossary of computer- and programming-related terminology. I doubt that experienced programmers would find much of use or interest in TPPRMM. For the rest of us, however, Kohanski has performed the valuable service of bringing a highly arcane subject matter a bit closer to our understanding. I am grateful to him for taking time away from his own programming efforts to do so.

it is not computer, it is human behind computer.......2002-03-26

After reading this book, i no longer look at any computer system or modern ultra sophisticated systems driven by computers as some brute magic of modern technology, but as a power of human thought and intellect amplified by the magnificient tool--the computer. i see the human face. thanks,Daniel Kohanski, for changing my former paradigm which was isolating me from the technology to one of embracing the technology by showing its human nature.

You need to understand a tool to use it effectively.......2001-03-27

I've always thought that, if you don't understand how a tool works, and where it came from, it is impossible to use it effectively. It doesn't matter whether the tool is a power saw, a bulldozer, or a computer. The Philosophical Programmer provides just that kind of background for computers. The book's cover calls it "a programming book for English majors," but it's considerably more than that. Even if you have absolutely no desire to know the evolution of memory chips and programming languages, you should still read the rest of this book. If you're already neck-deep in geek, read it for the insights about the computer as a tool and an extension of a person.

great for novice programmers.......2001-03-09

when i read this book, i was struggling to understand what it meant to program. i had very little exposure to programming, but wanted to learn because i was curious. at some point, you have to figure out "okay, you have to write in a language, and then you need this compiler thing to actually make a program."

i don't imagine that this book would be too interesting for someone with a longstanding background in computer science, but it's very useful if you're just getting into the field. the book discusses the history of computing and talks about the fundamental concepts that allow you to understand programming -- bits and bytes, what compilers are and how they're used, and some basics of computational logic.

the book was written well and engagingly. it was a short read -- well worth the few hours.

Moths in the Machine: The Power and Perils of Programming

Average customer rating:

Excellent essay
Interesting on two levels
Good history of programming
What does it mean to be a programmer, in a Nutshell
Says much that needed to be said!

Moths in the Machine: The Power and Perils of Programming
Daniel Kohanski
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

History | Business & Culture | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Programming | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

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Book Description

For better or worse, computers are not literally running our lives. They are extraordinarily helpful in all aspects of our daily routines, from banking to transportation, shopping to surgery. On the other hand, a "bug" in a computer program can now lead to dire consequences, making the rule of the computer programmer more valuable than ever before.In one fo the most unique yet necessary books ever to appear, Daniel Kohanski, a seasoned programmer and systems consultant, provides a breezy and insightful overview of the fascinating craft of computer programming. With topics ranging from history to aesthetics, from subroutines to ethics, Moths in the Machine will leave even the most inexperienced reader with a deep understanding of the critical role programmers play in the modern world.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent essay.......2003-11-08

Really interesting book, I had to read it from cover to cover, non-stop.
Before undertaking the task to became a programmer, read this.
Helps!

Interesting on two levels.......2002-12-18

As a programmer, I found this book's discussions on the aesthetics of programming to be unique and very helpful. The code samples given were not as interesting, but they were not aimed at experienced programmers. It is a perfect introduction for people who have experience in analyzing data (engineers, actuaries, etc.) but have never programmed. Don't read this book to learn new code tricks, or any specific language; but I've never read anything better about the art of programming, for either the professional or the beginner.

Good history of programming.......2002-12-10

A great explanation of how the current state of programming came to be. However, the depth of this book is very simplistic, and won't hold the interest of anyone whose done more than a level 100 programming course.

What does it mean to be a programmer, in a Nutshell.......2002-08-09

I liked some of the history in the book, but overall, I think it's ONLY a good read for those not already familiar with the "art" of computer programming. I think if you're already a programmer and have been coding for years, you can pretty much skip this book. I learned some history reading the book, but I didn't think it was a worthwhile use of time (for me). The book mainly talks about aesthetics, the fact that a computer is ONLY a machine, and has no "brain",.. etc. I think pretty much any intelligent being (in the computer field) already knows this.

The parts of the book that covered code might be of some use to someone who wants to experiment with "becoming a programmer," and I guess if you like this book, you will like being a programmer, or perhaps not.

Overall, good book for a non-techie who thinks he/she might be interested in the field.... and probably not the best use of time for someone who's already proficient in the "art".

Says much that needed to be said!.......2002-06-18

Thanks, Daniel, for adding your voice to the discussion about what we do with computers. I have the original hardcover version of this book, and am highly recommending it to my students and programming apprentices. Kohanski eloquently puts forth the argument for aesthetics in programming, a concept that is being lost as Microsoft et al. focus more and more on "user-friendly" methods of producing code at all levels (object-oriented, scripting, mark-up etc.) which rely on WYSIWYG interfaces. The nightmare code that emerges out the other end of these hands-off interfaces is making a huge impact on the reusability and therefore productivity of all those end-user produced applications. This is going to come back to bite us in the end, just like all other programming "shortcuts"! Maybe we can get more people to read books like this and understand what they are actually doing with their machines!

Average customer rating:

The Philosophical Programmers -
Daniel Kohanski -
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press -
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000P0X12O

Average customer rating:

The Philosophical Programmer: Reflections on the Moth in the Machine
Daniel Kohanski
Manufacturer: St Martins Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OTLSA8

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