RE: deprogramming language
Sean Draine (seandr@Exchange.Microsoft.com)
Tue, 26 Oct 1999 09:14:27 -0700
Matt:
Without that fundamental property of 1's
and 0's, computer languages would not work the way they do. The
numbers "5" and "8" permit a splendid range of complicated equations
that are infinitely more complex than presence vs. absence, but you
can't get the numbers to begin with if you don't invoke the principal
of presence vs. absence.
One quick point - the fact that computer systems use binary storage (those
famous 0s and 1s) is purely a matter of convenience for hardware engineers.
Computer memory could just as well use ternary storage (0s, 1s, and 2s) or
any other base for that matter. It doesn't (yet) because it's still easiest
to engineer fast, reliable binary memory.
Imagine for a moment that computers did use ternary storage. Then I guess
we'd need a new principle - one of presence vs. absence vs......nonsense?
And I suppose it would only be a matter of time before someone noted the
connection between computing and the father, son, and holy ghost.
-Sean