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HUNTING FOR THE OLDEST CODE.

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Title: HUNTING FOR THE OLDEST CODE.
Authors: Sparkes, Matthew (AUTHOR)
Source: New Scientist. 3/8/2025, Vol. 265 Issue 3533, p34-37. 4p. 5 Color Photographs.
Subjects: Computer programmers, Programming languages, Artificial intelligence, Computer programming, Software maintenance, Linux operating systems, Chatbots
Abstract: The article explores the presence of ancient computer code in modern software, focusing on the discovery of the ELIZA chatbot's code from the 1960s and the search for even older snippets of code. It discusses the challenges of identifying and maintaining old code, highlighting examples such as Ada Lovelace's program and the EDSAC software. The article also delves into the reluctance of businesses and organizations to discuss old code, citing potential concerns about functionality and maintenance. Ultimately, it raises questions about the longevity and reliability of old code in the ever-evolving digital landscape. [Extracted from the article]
Copyright of New Scientist is the property of New Scientist Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Engineering Source
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DbLabel: Engineering Source
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PubType: Periodical
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IllustrationInfo
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  Data: HUNTING FOR THE OLDEST CODE.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Sparkes%2C+Matthew%22">Sparkes, Matthew</searchLink> (AUTHOR)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22New+Scientist%22">New Scientist</searchLink>. 3/8/2025, Vol. 265 Issue 3533, p34-37. 4p. 5 Color Photographs.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Computer+programmers%22">Computer programmers</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Programming+languages%22">Programming languages</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Artificial+intelligence%22">Artificial intelligence</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Computer+programming%22">Computer programming</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Software+maintenance%22">Software maintenance</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Linux+operating+systems%22">Linux operating systems</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Chatbots%22">Chatbots</searchLink>
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  Data: The article explores the presence of ancient computer code in modern software, focusing on the discovery of the ELIZA chatbot's code from the 1960s and the search for even older snippets of code. It discusses the challenges of identifying and maintaining old code, highlighting examples such as Ada Lovelace's program and the EDSAC software. The article also delves into the reluctance of businesses and organizations to discuss old code, citing potential concerns about functionality and maintenance. Ultimately, it raises questions about the longevity and reliability of old code in the ever-evolving digital landscape. [Extracted from the article]
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  Data: <i>Copyright of New Scientist is the property of New Scientist Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
PLink https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=egs&AN=183467406
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        Value: 10.1016/s0262-4079(25)00391-4
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        Text: English
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      – SubjectFull: Artificial intelligence
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Computer programming
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      – SubjectFull: Software maintenance
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      – SubjectFull: Linux operating systems
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      – SubjectFull: Chatbots
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      – TitleFull: HUNTING FOR THE OLDEST CODE.
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              Text: 3/8/2025
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