Selected Writings on Computing: A Personal Perspective

Selected Writings on Computing: A Personal Perspective presents a collection of essays, letters, and talks by computer scientist Edsger Dijkstra from 1959 to 1974. This volume captures his observations and insights during a transformative period in computer science, as the field evolved from a niche specialty into a mature discipline. The writings cover topics ranging from programming methodology and software engineering to the nature of scientific thinking and academic discourse. Dijkstra addresses practical matters like structured programming and proof techniques while also exploring broader questions about the role of computing in society. Through these selections, Dijkstra outlines his vision for computing as both a practical engineering discipline and an intellectual framework for solving complex problems. His arguments for programming elegance and mathematical rigor helped establish fundamental principles that continue to influence software development practices. The collection stands as both a historical document of early computer science and a meditation on the relationship between human thought and computational methods. Dijkstra's emphasis on precision and clarity in both programming and writing reflects his belief that the way we express ideas shapes how we think about and solve problems.

Limited reviews are available online for this technical academic book, making it difficult to gauge broad reader sentiment. Readers appreciated: - Clear presentation of Dijkstra's thought process and problem-solving methods - Historical perspective on early computer science developments - Insights into academic computing research from 1970s - Mathematical rigor and formal approach Readers noted challenges: - Dense technical content requires strong math/CS background - Writing style can be overly formal and academic - Some essays feel dated given advances in computing - Limited availability and high cost of print copies Ratings: Goodreads: 4.17/5 (6 ratings, 0 text reviews) Amazon: No ratings or reviews available WorldCat: Listed but no user reviews The book appears primarily read by computer science academics and researchers rather than general audiences, with most discussion occurring in academic papers citing the work rather than consumer reviews.

The Art of Computer Programming by Donald Knuth A foundational text that combines mathematics, algorithms, and programming with personal insights from Knuth's computing experiences.

The Psychology of Computer Programming by Gerald M. Weinberg This text examines the human factors in programming through observations and experiences from the early days of computing.

The Elements of Programming Style by Brian W. Kernighan The authors present programming principles through practical examples and lessons drawn from real programming situations.

Notes on Structured Programming by Edsger Dijkstra Dijkstra's systematic approach to programming methodology draws from his experiences teaching and developing software.

A Discipline of Programming by Edsger Dijkstra The text connects mathematical reasoning with practical programming through concrete examples from Dijkstra's work.

🔵 The book is a collection of letters, talks, and articles written by Dijkstra between 1959-1976, known as "EWDs" (named for his initials), which he distributed to colleagues and students through photocopies. 🔵 Dijkstra wrote all his papers and letters by hand, believing that word processors encouraged poor writing habits. He continued this practice until his death in 2002. 🔵 The book includes Dijkstra's famous 1968 letter "Go To Statement Considered Harmful," which revolutionized programming by arguing against unrestricted goto statements and promoting structured programming. 🔵 Many of the writings showcase Dijkstra's strong opinions about programming elegance and his belief that programming should be treated as a mathematical discipline rather than a craft. 🔵 The author developed several fundamental algorithms still used today, including Dijkstra's algorithm for finding shortest paths in graphs, which he conceived while having coffee with his fiancée in a café in Amsterdam.