2 ms·
> Computer programs differ to some extent from many other copyrightable works because computer programs always serve a functional purpose. So a computer progra
by mycall 6y ago
> Computer programs differ to some extent from many
other copyrightable works because computer programs always serve a functional purpose.
So a computer program instructs processors to do things while books do not necessarily instruct neurons to do things. This seems like a leap. I could write a book with NOP for every word or I could write a program with NOP loops. Are these really instruction to do things? Like so, books do instruct people (aka knowledge).
- HumblyTossed 6y agoYes a NOP is an instruction to do something. It tells the cpu to not change state for a period of time equal to how long it takes to execute the NOP.
- mycall 6y agoHow about in a higher level language? C program that is all semicolons vs. a book of all semicolons? Neither computer nor human is any more knowledgeable after reading it.
- HumblyTossed 6y agoI haven't compiled a C program in years so I'm honestly not sure what an all ; program would do. But assuming it would just do nothing, well that is still an instruction to the computer. Delays are very meaningful. Serial communication is a great example.