TAoCP is more computer science than computer programming. For the typical programmer, most of what is covered in TAoCP is buried in pre-existing libraries and m

TAoCP is more computer science than computer programming. For the typical programmer, most of what is covered in TAoCP is buried in pre-existing libraries and modules. As for MIX/MIXAL (MIX is the computer, MIXAL is the MIX Assembly Language), trendy languages change. The first volume was published in 1968 -- how many languages from 1968 are still being used today (FORTRAN and ...). MIXAL removes the discussion from language specific tricks and techniques and allows a focus on the algorithms themselves. I'll always have a set of TAoCP on my bookshelf and refer to it whenever I'm looking for a refresher on core principles.