On Computable Numbers, with an Application to the Entscheidungsproblem
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On Computable Numbers, with an Application to the Entscheidungsproblem
Alan Turing
5 people recommended it in 2 threads, 2019–2023.
What people on Hacker News said
If I had to say one text that is the fundamental one, I would go with a paper: “On Computable Numbers, with an Application to the Entscheidungsproblem” [1], by Alan Turing.
Certainly that one, but I would add a couple of others:
By the currently accepted definition of Computer Science (at the nexus of its core basis in mathematics and philosophy), I would say “On Computable Numbers, with an Application to the Entscheidungsproblem” by Alan Turing, without any close peer to date.
It is the first paper that invoked the most all-encompassing idea of a computer (e.g. not necessarily having to be a physically realizable electronic computer, which one could consider more of a matter for engineering).
The third comment is after Turing's paper and Godel's uncertainty arguments, all real world computer programs, no matter how carefully they employ something from a fundamental book, must be tested.
Where it comes up
- Ask HN: What are the most fundamental books on computer science? 2019 · 4 recommendations
- St. John’s Reading List: A Great Books Curriculum 2023 · 1 recommendation