Tony Hoare has died
Tony Hoare, the legendary computer scientist known for Quicksort, Hoare logic, and CSP, has passed away at 92. This blog post offers a personal reflection on his life, highlighting his humility, sharp wit, and profound impact on the field beyond just his famous algorithms. Hacker News tributes remember his foundational work, share anecdotes, and debate his enduring legacy, from "the billion-dollar mistake" to his insights on software design.
The Lowdown
The blog post announces the passing of C.A.R. Hoare, a towering figure in computer science, at the age of 92, offering a personal tribute from Jim Miles.
- Hoare's extensive contributions include Quicksort, Hoare logic, and his work on ALGOL, among many others.
- The author, Jim Miles, shared personal anecdotes from his visits with Hoare, painting a picture of a sharp-minded, humorous, and humble individual.
- Hoare's career path involved studying Classics and Philosophy, followed by intensive Russian training and early work demonstrating computers globally.
- The famous "sixpence wager" story, where Hoare bet his boss Quicksort was faster, is recounted, confirming the wager was indeed paid.
- Hoare's views on the misrepresentation of genius in films and an intriguing, enigmatic comment about undisclosed government technology were also shared.
The piece concludes with a heartfelt reflection on Hoare's character, emphasizing the loss of his wit, patience, and intellectual acuity.
The Gossip
Personal Praise and Profound Passing
Many commenters shared their personal encounters and experiences with Tony Hoare, universally describing him as humble, kind, and possessing an extraordinary intellect. They reflected on his impact as a teacher and mentor, expressing deep respect and sadness at his passing, often using his own concepts to mark his end.
Core Contributions and Coding Concepts
Discussion centered on the breadth and depth of Hoare's contributions beyond Quicksort, such as Hoare logic, Communicating Sequential Processes (CSP), and his influence on programming language design. There was also significant debate around his "billion-dollar mistake" of null references, with some defending its original intent as optional types while others highlighted its problematic implementations.
Philosophical Proclamations and Quotable Wisdom
Commenters quoted Hoare's famous insights on software design, particularly his observation about making systems "so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies," and the often-overlooked context of that quote. Anecdotes also emerged, like his supposed unawareness of "No Silver Bullet," adding layers to his intellectual persona.
Collegiate Conundrums and Clever Catchphrases
A lighthearted theme involved the humorous challenge Oxford University faced in naming a building after Hoare, given the phonetic implications of "Hoare House." Commenters also shared personal connections to prizes or rooms named in his honor.