REVIEW OF JOHN BACKUS: CAN PROGRAMMING BE LIBERATED FROM THE VON NEUMANN STYLE? A FUNCTIONAL STYLE AND ITS ALGEBRA OF PROGRAMS (1978)


Computing Reviews 19(11): 445, 1978. Publication of the reviewed paper: Comm. ACM 21(8): 613-641, Aug. 1978.


Introduction

This is a great paper. Written by an acknowledged pioneer and master of the design of programming languages in the current main line--the von Neumann languages--it starts from a profound criticism of the fundamental basis of that main line and proceeds to lay down the foundations of a new and different style of programming: functional programming. In doing so, it presents a whole variety of proposals for further work, supported by detailed, guiding examples.

Conclusion

To sum up, for its insight, constructiveness, clarity, and challenge, the present paper is the best I have seen for many years. Magnificent!