Category Archives: futurology

On the “advances” in web development since 1995

Posted on 2017-08-19 by Graham

The first “web application” I worked on was written in a late version of WebObjects, version 4.5. An HTTP request was handled by an “adaptor” layer that chose a controller based on the parameters of the request, you could call … Continue reading →

Posted in futurology, WebObjects | 1 Comment

In which I resolve

Posted on 2014-12-28 by Graham

When I was a student I got deeply into GNU and Linux. This has been covered elsewhere on this blog, along with the story that as Apple made the best UNIX, and the lab had NeXT computers, I went down … Continue reading →

Posted in futurology, Responsibility | Leave a comment

The Wealth of Applications

Posted on 2014-08-07 by Graham

Adam Smith’s Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations opens by discussing the division of labour. How people are able to get more done when they each pick a small part of the work to be … Continue reading →

Posted in economics, futurology | Leave a comment

PADDs, not the iPad

Posted on 2014-07-21 by Graham

Alan Kay says that Xerox PARC bought its way into the future by paying lots of money for each computer. Today, you can (almost) buy your way into the future of mobile computers by paying small amounts of money for … Continue reading →

Posted in futurology, UI | Comments Off on PADDs, not the iPad

Goals upon goals upon goals

Posted on 2014-07-15 by Graham

As I read Ed Finkler’s piece on losing excitement in technology, I found myself recognising pieces of my own story. The prospect of a new language or framework no longer seems like a new toy, an excuse to stay up … Continue reading →

Posted in futurology, philosophy after a fashion | Comments Off on Goals upon goals upon goals