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Abstracting Away the Machine: The History of the FORTRAN Programming Language (FORmula TRANslation)
Abstracting Away the Machine: The History of the FORTRAN Programming Language (FORmula TRANslation)
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Abstracting Away the Machine: The History of the FORTRAN Programming Language (FORmula TRANslation)
Abstracting Away the Machine: The History of the FORTRAN Programming Language (FORmula TRANslation)
FORTRAN was the first high-level language to achieve widespread adoption and created programming practices that we take for granted now.
Abstracting Away the Machine: The History of the FORTRAN Programming Language (FORmula TRANslation)
Item #: 22758736

Abstracting Away the Machine: The History of the FORTRAN Programming Language (FORmula TRANslation)

Item #: 22758736

GBP 21

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FORTRAN was the first high-level language to achieve widespread adoption and created programming practices that we take for granted now.
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What Stands Out

Comprehensive History
Offers an in-depth exploration of FORTRAN's evolution, providing readers with valuable insights into the development of programming languages and their impact on modern computing.
Accessible Language
Written in a clear, engaging style, making complex programming concepts approachable for both novice programmers and seasoned professionals interested in the history of computing.
Cultural Impact
Examines the significant influence of FORTRAN on the programming world, highlighting its role in shaping Software Engineering practices and education over the decades.

Product Details

Shop Abstracting Away the Machine: The History of the FORTRAN Programming Language (FORmula TRANslation) online at a best price in Guernsey. 1082395943
  • The epic story of how an elite development team at IBM built the most influential computer programming language in history: FORTRAN
  • FORTRAN, the first high-level language to achieve widespread adoption, paved the way for languages like ALGOL, BASIC, C/C++, COBOL, Java, LISP, LOGO, Pascal, PL/I, and Python
  • FORTRAN's powerful compiler translated human-readable code into clean and optimized executable programs, setting the standard for decades to come
  • Standardized in the 1960s, FORTRAN became portable and dominated in the fields of science and engineering
  • As new languages emerged, FORTRAN struggled to keep up and eventually ceded ground to its successors
  • Abstracting Away the Machine chronicles the complete history and development of FORTRAN, revealing the impact it had on programming and computer science
Publisher Independently published
Publication date August 22, 2019
Language English
Print length 326 pages
ISBN-10 1082395943
ISBN-13 978-1082395949
Item Weight 1.25 pounds (570 grams)
Dimensions 7 x 0.74 x 10 inches (17.8 x 1.9 x 25.4 cm)

Who Should Buy?

Suitable For
  • Computer Historians

    Individuals studying the evolution of programming languages and their impact on modern computing will find it insightful.

  • FORTRAN Programmers

    Practicing or aspiring FORTRAN developers can learn valuable lessons and historical context relevant to their programming endeavors.

  • Academic Researchers

    Researchers in computer science or software engineering will benefit from the detailed account of FORTRAN's historical significance.

Not Suitable For
  • Casual Readers

    General readers seeking light reading might find the technical focus and historical depth of the book unengaging.

  • Programming Beginners

    Newcomers to programming may struggle with the advanced concepts and historical references without foundational knowledge.

  • Non-Technical Audience

    Readers without a technical background in software or programming may not appreciate the book's detailed analysis and context.

Product Description

Have any Query? Chat with us

Customer Questions & Answers

  • Question: What is the main focus of 'Abstracting Away the Machine: The History of the FORTRAN Programming Language'?

    Answer: The book primarily delves into the evolution and impact of the FORTRAN programming language, the first high-level programming language. It provides insights into how FORTRAN was developed to enable programmers to write instructions in a way that is more aligned with human thought processes rather than machine language. Understanding its history can help readers appreciate the advancements in programming languages and computing.
  • Question: Who is the target audience for this book?

    Answer: This book is aimed at computer science students, programming enthusiasts, and professionals interested in the history of computing. It can serve as an educational resource for those exploring programming languages or the development of computing technologies. Newcomers in programming might find it especially beneficial, as it provides foundational knowledge about the roots of modern programming languages.
  • Question: How detailed is the history covered in this book?

    Answer: The book offers a comprehensive overview of FORTRAN's development from its inception in the 1950s to its modern adaptations. It discusses the language's design principles, its application in scientific computing, and its contributions to software engineering. By chronicling the challenges and milestones faced, readers can gain a deeper understanding of how historical contexts shape programming practices today.
  • Question: What makes FORTRAN significant in the field of programming?

    Answer: FORTRAN is significant as it introduced concepts like abstraction and data representation, which are foundational for modern programming practices. Being the first of its kind, it paved the way for other high-level languages. This book elaborates on its role in shaping computational theory and highlights how, despite being considered outdated, FORTRAN is still in use today for high-performance tasks.
  • Question: Can this book be beneficial for learning FORTRAN programming?

    Answer: While this book is not a step-by-step tutorial on coding in FORTRAN, it provides essential context that can enhance your learning experience. Understanding its history, design philosophy, and real-world applications equips learners with a mindset that fosters better programming practices. It can serve as an excellent supplementary resource for anyone interested in mastering the language.
  • Question: Does the book address any of the criticisms of FORTRAN?

    Answer: Yes, the book discusses various criticisms of FORTRAN, such as its limitations in object-oriented programming and modern software development practices. It doesn't shy away from showcasing the challenges faced by FORTRAN developers over the years. This balanced perspective not only reflects its historical context but also informs readers about its ongoing evolution and adaptability.
  • Question: Is the book suitable for complete beginners in programming?

    Answer: While the book covers historical and technical aspects of FORTRAN, it may be more suitable for those with some foundational knowledge of programming. It does introduce key concepts that might be challenging for complete novices. However, beginners interested in understanding the evolution of programming languages will appreciate the insights this book offers.
  • Question: What type of format is the book available in?

    Answer: The book is available in paperback format, which is favored by many readers for its tactile experience and ease of annotation. This format allows readers to easily highlight important sections, take notes in the margins, and refer back to significant passages. Whether for academic use or personal interest, the paperback format enhances the overall reading experience.
  • Question: How does this book compare to other programming history books?

    Answer: Unlike many programming history books that touch on various languages, this one focuses specifically on FORTRAN, providing an in-depth analysis of its development and significance. This dedicated approach allows readers to gain a thorough understanding of both the language itself and its broader implications in the programming world. It is an essential read for anyone looking to specialize in programming history.
  • Question: Where can I buy 'Abstracting Away the Machine: The History of the FORTRAN Programming Language' in Guernsey?

    Answer: You can purchase 'Abstracting Away the Machine: The History of the FORTRAN Programming Language' from Ubuy. Ubuy offers a convenient online shopping experience, making it easy to find and order the book. They provide options for a quick search, efficient processing, and customer support to assist with any inquiries you might have.

History Editorial Review

This book takes a deep dive into the history of the FORTRAN programming language. It covers every aspect of its creation, development, and impact on computing, making it an excellent resource for those who want to know everything there is to know about FORTRAN. However, for casual readers or those looking for a more focused history with a clear point, it may be overwhelming. Some readers have also noted that the book lacks an index and footnotes and can be confusing on minor points. Nevertheless, those with an interest in computer history, especially the creation of programming languages, will find this book to be an enjoyable read that is comprehensive and well-written.

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Pros

  • Comprehensive coverage of the history of FORTRAN programming language
  • Well-written and readable style
  • Provides insight into the personalities and context of the development of FORTRAN
  • Fascinating account of essential, "undiscovered" computer history

Cons

  • Lacks an index and footnotes

Product Price History

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GBP 21

Order now and get it around Thursday, June 25

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Features & Benefits

  • FORTRAN was the first HLL with a powerful compiler, producing optimized standalone executable programs
  • FORTRAN set the standards for many decades and secured a stranglehold in science and engineering fields
  • FORTRAN was a victim of its own success, as new high-level languages sprouted up
  • FORTRAN struggled to keep up through multiple standardization efforts and ceded significant ground to its successors
  • This book is the epic story of FORTRAN's creation and its influence on computer programming.