Épisodes

  • Thanks for the Memory Part 2: Garbage Collection
    Oct 9 2026

    This week we conclude our discussion of dynamic memory allocation with a discussion of the history and implementation of garbage collectors. There are no mentions of raccoons.

    Recursive Functions of Symbolic Expressions and Their Computation by Machine, Part I

    Uniprocessor Garbage Collection Techniques?

    cpython/InternalDocs/garbage_collector.md at main

    Generation Scavenging: A Non-disruptlve High Perfornm.nce Storage Reclamation Algorithm 1. Introduction 2. The Relationship Betw




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    59 min
  • Thanks for the Memory Part I: Allocators
    Sep 25 2026

    This week we present the first of two episodes on dynamic memory allocation. We were going to talk about garbage collection, but realized we should probably discuss allocators first. Turns out they are complicated, and there are many different strategies.


    Dynamic Storage Allocation: A Survey and Critical Review (Wilson)

    Hoard: a scalable memory allocator for multithreaded applications

    mimalloc: A new, high-performance, scalable memory allocator for the modern era - Microsoft Research

    A Scalable Concurrent malloc(3) Implementation for FreeBSD


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    1 h et 8 min
  • From the Academy to Industry with Alan Dyke
    Sep 11 2026

    In this episode we interview Alan Dyke, a colleague of Erik's who got his Ph.D from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, where he did research on Computer-Aided Software Engineering. We talk about Alan's unique journey in software development, going from the academic environment to the defense industry, embedded software, and biotech. We also learn about the crucial importance of calibrating your software for hurricanes.


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    1 h et 2 min
  • The Monte Carlo Method
    Aug 14 2026

    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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    56 min
  • The Most Cited Papers from JACM
    Jul 24 2026

    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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    1 h et 14 min
  • The Prehistory of the Internet
    Jul 10 2026

    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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    1 h
  • Software Development in 2046
    Jun 26 2026

    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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    1 h et 6 min