Re: Brian Kernighan, maybe I'm not worthy, maybe I'm scum

On Sat, 29 Dec 2007 12:50:38 -0600, Richard Heathfield wrote
(in article <AdOdnee0iMLRC-vanZ2dnUVZ8u-dnZ2d@xxxxxx>):

I /think/ it was cbf that came up with 'nilgewater' to describe your
drivel, but can't be bothered to look it up atm.

The first reference I can find is in 1992, from one Mitch Silverman. The
second is indeed a comment from Chuck Falconer.

I had no idea it went back anywhere near that far.

As I explained at the time, since optimizing compilers hoist loop
invariants, that's in general not a good idea from the standpoint of
readable code, since each "work" variable represents a deficiency from
the standpoint of clarity.

And as was /proven/ at the time, none of the compilers in general use
at the time (or now), as verified by multiple people, on multiple
systems, did the magic that you /thought/ they did. None. Not only
that, writing code that makes the author look stupid does not add to
"clarity", unless stupidity is the object you wish to clarify.

At the time, I posted the code on my Web site, together with an analysis of
that code. Since then, I've moved to a different ISP. The analysis can now
be found at <http://www.cpax.org.uk/prg/writings/nilges.html>. I think
it's fair to say that a knowledgeable C programmer can gain a reasonable
appreciation of Mr Nilges's C skills, such as they are, by reading that
page.

Indeed.


--
Randy Howard (2reply remove FOOBAR)
"The power of accurate observation is called cynicism by those
who have not got it." - George Bernard Shaw





.

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