Re: [MacPerl] I am looking for Larry Wall

[Matthias Neeracher <neeri@iis.ee.ethz.ch>]

In article <a04310100b4fc317859c4@[10.48.7.29]>, Christopher Swope <s6613535@mail.milwaukee.k12.wi.us> writes:
> I am a student in high school who is heavily involved in computers. 
> For my graduation requirements, I have to write an extended essay, 
> which I have decided to do on the evolution ( mainly the 
> specialization) of computer languages.

If you have access to a good library, try to get "History of Programming
Languages II", ed. Bergin & Gibson. If you have access to a great library, try
to get "History of Programming Languages", ed. (I believe) J. Sammet.

> For this purpose, I am looking for Larry Wall.  No I am not a 
> computer phyco, nor his stalker.  I am interested in finding out 
> precise and detailed reasons of why he decided to write Perl,

Problem with Larry's lectures is that the more detailed he becomes in giving
his reasons for writing Perl, the less precise they appear :-) I doubt very
much that the creation of Perl can really be traced to a single motive, let
alone a purely commercial/utilitarian one.

> for I 
> understand that it was because he decided that awk, if you know what 
> that is, (I don't really), was not powerful enough.

The Awk Programming Language, by Aho, Weinberger & Kernighan should give you an
idea. Try grabbing an implementation of awk and recoding some of your perl
scripts in it.

> If you would know where to find him, or how to contact him, please 
> let me know.

I think you have received enough hints to find him (and if you *do* decide to
stalk him, be sure to stop by in Cupertino for a cup of coffee with me
:-). 

Matthias

-- 
Matthias Neeracher   <neeri@iis.ee.ethz.ch>   http://www.iis.ee.ethz.ch/~neeri
   " `For tactical reasons,' the blonde said, `we do not currently advocate
    the use of violence or sorcery against private individuals.' " 
                                        -- William Gibson, _Virtual Light_


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