Programming: Principles and Practice Using C++, 2nd Edition

1. Computers, People, and Programming

“Specialization is for insects.”

—R. A. Heinlein

In this chapter, we present some of the things that we think make programming important, interesting, and fun. We also present a few fundamental ideas and ideals. We hope to debunk a couple of popular myths about programming and programmers. This is a chapter to skim for now and to return to later when you are struggling with some programming problem and wondering if it’s all worth it.

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Software

1.3 People

1.4 Computer science

1.5 Computers are everywhere

1.5.1 Screens and no screens

1.5.2 Shipping

1.5.3 Telecommunications

1.5.4 Medicine

1.5.5 Information

1.5.6 A vertical view

1.5.7 So what?

1.6 Ideals for programmers

1.1 Introduction ...