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Alan Perlis

76quotes

Alan J. Perlis: The Pioneering Computer Scientist


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Full Name and Common Aliases

Alan Jay Perlis was an American computer scientist, best known for being the first recipient of the ACM A.M. Turing Award in 1966.

Birth and Death Dates

Perlis was born on April 1, 1922, in Petersburgh, New York, and passed away on February 14, 1990, at the age of 67.

Nationality and Profession(s)

Nationality: American
Profession: Computer Scientist, Mathematician, Professor

As a prominent computer scientist, Perlis played a pivotal role in shaping the field of computer science. His contributions to programming languages, algorithms, and computer education have left an indelible mark on the world.

Early Life and Background

Perlis was born into a family of educators; his parents were both teachers. He developed a strong foundation in mathematics and physics during his early years at home. This academic prowess led him to attend Columbia University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Physics in 1943. After serving in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, Perlis went on to pursue his Master's degree in Mathematics from Duke University.

Major Accomplishments

Perlis made significant contributions to computer science through his work on programming languages and algorithms. His most notable achievements include:

Developing LISP (1958): Perlis was part of the team that created LISP, one of the first high-level programming languages.
 Contributions to ALGOL (1958-1960): He played a key role in the development of the ALGOL programming language, which became widely used for scientific and engineering applications.

Notable Works or Actions

Perlis's work extended beyond programming languages. Some notable works include:

Authoring textbooks: Perlis wrote several influential books on computer science, including "A Survey of Programming Languages" (1961) and "Fundamentals of Computation Theory" (1967).
 Advocating for computer education: He recognized the importance of computer education and actively promoted its integration into academic curricula.

Impact and Legacy

Perlis's impact on computer science is multifaceted:

Shaping programming languages: His contributions to LISP and ALGOL paved the way for modern programming languages.
 Advancing computer education: Perlis's advocacy helped establish computer science as a fundamental subject in academic programs.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Perlis is widely quoted and remembered due to his:

Visionary approach: He envisioned the potential of computers to revolutionize various fields, from science and engineering to education.
 Pioneering spirit: Perlis's work demonstrated a willingness to challenge conventional thinking and push boundaries in the field of computer science.

As we reflect on Alan J. Perlis's remarkable life and contributions, it becomes clear that his legacy extends far beyond his individual accomplishments. He helped establish the foundation for modern computer science, inspiring generations of researchers and practitioners to build upon his work.

Quotes by Alan Perlis

Alan Perlis's insights on:

In computing, turning the obvious into the useful is a living definition of the word 'frustration'.
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In computing, turning the obvious into the useful is a living definition of the word 'frustration'.
AP
If a listener nods his head when you’re explaining your program, wake him up.
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If a listener nods his head when you’re explaining your program, wake him up.
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We are on the verge: Today our program proved Fermat’s next-to-last theorem.
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We are on the verge: Today our program proved Fermat’s next-to-last theorem.
AP
One can’t proceed from the informal to the formal by formal means.
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One can’t proceed from the informal to the formal by formal means.
AP
You can measure a programmer’s perspective by noting his attitude on the continuing vitality of FORTRAN.
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You can measure a programmer’s perspective by noting his attitude on the continuing vitality of FORTRAN.
AP
A picture is worth 10K words – but only those to describe the picture. Hardly any sets of 10K words can be adequately described with pictures.
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A picture is worth 10K words – but only those to describe the picture. Hardly any sets of 10K words can be adequately described with pictures.
AP
In computing, turning the obvious into the useful is a living definition of the word “frustration”.
"
In computing, turning the obvious into the useful is a living definition of the word “frustration”.
AP
In man-machine symbiosis, it is man who must adjust: The machines can’t.
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In man-machine symbiosis, it is man who must adjust: The machines can’t.
AP
Dealing with failure is easy: Work hard to improve. Success is also easy to handle: You’ve solved the wrong problem. Work hard to improve.
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Dealing with failure is easy: Work hard to improve. Success is also easy to handle: You’ve solved the wrong problem. Work hard to improve.
AP
Don’t have good ideas if you aren’t willing to be responsible for them.
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Don’t have good ideas if you aren’t willing to be responsible for them.
AP
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