| An interesting question about the long division, and about
| other algorithms, is 'How come that I got the correct answer
| if I do it in that way?" Or "is this the only way to get the
| correct answer?" Or "how was this method discovered?"
| Separating what is useful from what is interesting and
| challenging leads to all sort of problems. Yes, I am thinking
| about computer science. The importance of creating our own
| algorithms used to be emphasize but today the emphasis is on
| purchasing software. Is programming also a distraction?
| Ludwik Kowalski
|
It does seem to be true that more and more, fewer people are actually
writing programs.
OTOH, I suppose if we interpret writing programs more liberally, e.g. if
we say every time I write spreadsheet, I've written a program rather
than used purchased software, are set up a labview routine, etc, then I
suppose the comparison isn't as stark.