Moths in the Machine: The Power and Perils of Programming

by Daniel Kohanski

For better or worse, computers are not literally running our lives. They are extraordinarily helpful in all aspects of our daily routines, from banking to transportation, shopping to surgery. On the other hand, a "bug" in a computer program can now lead to dire consequences, making the rule of the computer programmer more valuable than ever before.
In one fo the most unique yet necessary books ever to appear, Daniel Kohanski, a seasoned programmer and systems consultant, provides a breezy and insightful overview of the fascinating craft of computer programming. With topics ranging from history to aesthetics, from subroutines to ethics, Moths in the Machine will leave even the most inexperienced reader with a deep understanding of the critical role programmers play in the modern world.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 10, 2000

Reviews

[Rickeclectic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for people who are not computer folks. I used this book for a graduate course I taught on how to start and run computer companies. The business people learned something about technology and the computer people learned something about business from this book. It is a good casual read. The title chapter is the true story of how a moth got caught in the switches of one of the early computers and became the namesake of computer "bugs."