Picture Me Coding

In this episode we discuss the Monte Carlo method, both the technique and its place in the history of computing.  The Monte Carlo method is a set of tools that use probability to solve problems that are otherwise intractable.  Programs using Monte Carlo were among the first programs created on digital computers.

The Monte Carlo Method Nicholas Metropolis; S. Ulam Journal of the American Statistical Association, Vol. 44, No. 247. (Sep.
Equation of State Calculations by Fast Computing Machines
Hitting the Jackpot: The Birth of the Monte Carlo Method | LANL
Monte Carlo Sampling Methods Using Markov Chains and Their Applications W. K. Hastings Biometrika, Vol. 57, No. 1. (Apr., 1970),
2014HaighPriestleyRope-LosAlamosBetsonENIAC.pdf
The Unheralded Contributions of Klara Dan von Neumann

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In this episode we discuss the 5 most-cited papers from the flagship journal of the Association for Computing Machinery, the JACM.   The papers include everything from distributed computing to real-time scheduling. 
Direct Search'' Solution of Numerical and Statistical Problems | Journal of the ACM 
Impossibility of distributed consensus with one faulty process | Journal of the ACM 
Robust principal component analysis? | Journal of the ACM 
Authoritative sources in a hyperlinked environment | Journal of the ACM 
Scheduling Algorithms for Multiprogramming in a Hard-Real-Time Environment | Journal of the ACM

What is HITS Algorithm (Hyperlink-Induced Topic Search)?

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This episode started with the question: who first had the idea to connect computers together to make a network?  We explore JCR Licklider's ideas about an  "Intergalactic Network", some of the earliest attempts at networking, and the ideas that lead to packet switching and the Arpanet.
SAGE: Semi-Automatic Ground Environment Air Defense System | MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Memorandum for Members and Affiliates of the Intergalactic Computer Network
The Arpanet and Computer Networks
60 Years of Networking - by Bruce Davies - Systems Approach
Information Flow in Large Communication Nets (1961, Leonard Kleinrock, MIT)
On Distributed Communications Networks (1962, Paul Baran, RAND)
National Physical Laboratory Proposal for a Digital Communication Network by D. W. Davies June, 1966

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In this episode we discuss a couple of recent papers on just-in-time development and agentic systems and how we think they suggest trends that will affect software development for years to come.  We boldly predict that in 2046 people will still not want robot dentists.
The Time is Here for Just-in-Time Systems: Challenges and Opportunities
MDASH: The MS Security Thing 
Services: The New Software | Sequoia Capital
Understanding Spec-Driven-Development: Kiro, spec-kit, and Tessl

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For the 100th episode of Picture Me Coding we talk about numbers.  Mike talks about his favorite numbers, Erik talks about his favorite ports, and we discuss the surprising phenomenon of Benford's Law.

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