Lisp as the Language for an Incremental Computer (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

Lionello A. Lombardi

 
9781334018244: Lisp as the Language for an Incremental Computer (Classic Reprint)

Synopsis

This book explores the limitations of traditional computer systems, built on the principles of Turing and von Neumann, and proposes a revolutionary new approach to computation. The author argues that conventional computing models are ill-equipped to handle the complexities of real-world information processes, particularly those that involve ongoing evolution and unpredictable change. Instead, they advocate for an €œincremental computer€ that operates on a fundamentally different philosophy. This new model emphasizes the continuous assimilation of information, where procedures are dynamically determined rather than pre-programmed, allowing computers to adapt to changing environments and interact more naturally with human users. The author draws on the power of LISP, a flexible and expressive computer language, to illustrate the concepts underlying this incremental approach. The book delves into the key features of this novel computational paradigm, including the handling of omitted and indefinite arguments, the management of conflicting variable names, and the implementation of sophisticated threshold conditions. These features enable the incremental computer to navigate uncertainty and incompleteness in a way that traditional systems cannot. Through detailed explanations and illustrative examples, the book provides a compelling vision of a future where computers become more than mere tools for executing predetermined instructions, evolving instead into dynamic partners in human thought and problem-solving. The insights presented in this book offer a fresh perspective on the potential of computing to address complex, ever-changing problems and unlock new possibilities for human-computer interaction.

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