3 ms·
Knowing "the considerations of what makes a simple loop fast or not" is irrelevant to solving a computational problem. We as programmers should not need to worr
by zarathustreal 3y ago
Knowing "the considerations of what makes a simple loop fast or not" is irrelevant to solving a computational problem. We as programmers should not need to worry about details of the hardware or toolchain (e.g. compiler) we're using.
Granted, the reality is that most people are doing the equivalent of digital plumbing, not necessarily solving computational problems.
- mgaunard 3y agoThe role of the compiler is to automatically perform the task of translating a program in a given programming language to a program that runs on a computer, making the best possible use of that computer's resources. Writing a compiler with shallow understanding of the computer you're targeting is definitely possible, but ultimately wasteful.
- sakjur 3y agoPlumbers have done more to save lives and enable the luxuries we take for granted than most. I would be lucky if my work could compare to that. I think we need software engineers coming from electrical engineering, mathematics, humanities, and all walks of life. If you’re not interested in compilers, maybe the comments for a link about compilers isn’t your place to be.
- aswanson 3y agoI come from an EE background. I didn't understand the importance of computation in general until entering industry, and I want to understand compilers before I leave this earthly plane, just for the sake of understanding them.