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History > dsger W. Dijkstra > Flashcards

dsger W. Dijkstra Flashcards

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1
Q

Who was Edsger W. Dijkstra?

A

A Dutch computer scientist known for his foundational contributions to computer science, such as Dijkstra’s Algorithm and structured programming.

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2
Q

When was Edsger W. Dijkstra born?

A

May 11, 1930.

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3
Q

Where was Edsger W. Dijkstra born?

A

Rotterdam, Netherlands.

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4
Q

What field did Dijkstra initially study before switching to computer science?

A

Theoretical physics.

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5
Q

What is Dijkstra’s most famous algorithm?

A

Dijkstra’s Algorithm for finding the shortest path in a graph.

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6
Q

What is the significance of Dijkstra’s Algorithm?

A

It is widely used in routing and navigation systems to find the shortest path between nodes in a graph.

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7
Q

What concept did Dijkstra advocate for to improve programming practices?

A

Structured programming, which emphasizes the use of clear and logical control structures without ‘goto’ statements.

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8
Q

What programming statement did Dijkstra consider harmful?

A

The ‘goto’ statement.

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9
Q

What is Dijkstra’s contribution to concurrency and synchronization?

A

He developed the concept of semaphores to manage mutual exclusion and control access to shared resources.

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10
Q

What was Dijkstra’s contribution to operating systems?

A

He created the ‘THE’ multiprogramming system, which influenced modern operating system design.

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11
Q

When did Dijkstra win the Turing Award?

A

In 1972.

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12
Q

What was Dijkstra awarded the Turing Award for?

A

For his contributions to programming languages and system design.

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13
Q

How did Dijkstra’s work change the software development process?

A

He promoted structured programming, which improved the readability, reliability, and efficiency of software.

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14
Q

What was the general historical context during Dijkstra’s career?

A

The mid-20th century, a time of rapid advances in technology, during the Cold War and space race.

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15
Q

What concept related to concurrency did Dijkstra pioneer?

A

Semaphores for controlling access to shared resources in multi-threaded programs.

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16
Q

What was Dijkstra’s attitude toward using computers personally?

A

He famously never used a computer himself and preferred to reason abstractly.

17
Q

What unusual habit did Dijkstra have regarding his manuscripts?

A

He cataloged his work meticulously as ‘EWDs’ and wrote his papers by hand.

18
Q

How did Dijkstra influence the academic recognition of computer science?

A

He helped establish computer science as a rigorous, formal discipline.

19
Q

What humorous analogy did Dijkstra use to explain his views on artificial intelligence?

A

He said, ‘The question of whether computers can think is like the question of whether submarines can swim.’

20
Q

What was one of Dijkstra’s lesser-known contributions to operating systems?

A

The ‘THE’ multiprogramming system, one of the earliest multitasking systems.

21
Q

How did Dijkstra approach writing and research?

A

He wrote everything by hand in cursive, avoiding computers for personal use.

22
Q

What is one way Dijkstra’s Algorithm is used today?

A

It is used in GPS systems and network routing to find the most efficient path between two points.

23
Q

In what year did Dijkstra publish his famous letter ‘Go To Statement Considered Harmful’?

A

1968.

24
Q

Why was ‘Go To Statement Considered Harmful’ controversial?

A

Many programmers at the time believed the ‘goto’ statement was a useful tool, and Dijkstra’s criticism sparked debate.

25
Q

When did Edsger W. Dijkstra pass away?

A

August 6, 2002.

26
Q

What was Dijkstra’s contribution to the field of graph theory?

A

Dijkstra’s Algorithm for finding the shortest path in a graph.

27
Q

What lasting influence did Dijkstra have on software engineering?

A

He promoted structured programming, which became a fundamental practice in the field.

28
Q

Why is Dijkstra remembered as one of the most influential computer scientists?

A

His contributions shaped modern programming, algorithm design, and operating systems, and his ideas continue to be taught and used today.

History (233 decks)

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