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Steve Wozniak's floating point routines for the 6502 (tinyletter.com)

502 points by jamesbowman · 2660 days ago · 170 comments on HN

Article summary

The article discusses Steve Wozniak's floating point routines for the 6502 microprocessor. Wozniak's work on the Apple I and Apple II computers is mentioned, highlighting his skills as a hardware and software engineer. The article also touches on the importance of constraints in fostering creativity, citing the example of poets working within strict forms. However, the provided text does not contain the actual article content, but rather a list of links and menu items from a website.

Main themes

  • Wozniak's engineering skills
  • 6502 microprocessor
  • Constraints and creativity
  • Apple computers
  • Embedded systems
  • Programming

What commenters say

  • Giving computer manuals to kids can be an effective way to create interest in computer engineering, but it may not be sufficient to guarantee success.
  • The limitations of early computers actually fostered creativity and innovation among engineers like Wozniak.
  • The importance of constraints in design and engineering is highlighted, with examples from poetry and other fields.
  • Some commenters disagree that giving kids computer manuals is an effective way to create interest in computer engineering, citing the example of kids preferring phones and other modern technology.
  • The discussion touches on the role of experience and training in becoming a skilled engineer or pilot, with some arguing that age and reflexes are not the primary factors.
  • Others argue that working within constraints can actually drive innovation and creativity, citing examples from the demoscene and other areas.
  • The conversation also explores the idea that the creation of design and engineering solutions depends on recognizing and working within constraints, including those of price, size, and strength.