The Factory of Ideas: Working at Bell Labs - Computerphile

Bell Labs pioneered some of the most important inventions of the 20th century, what was it like to be part of that? Professor Brian Kernighan was there.

This video was filmed and edited by Sean Riley.

[Cerealbox]

The stuff that Bell Labs was able to produce in such a short period of time is mind-boggling. A couple of brilliant guys hanging around in the right environment revolutionized the way we'd be living some 50 years later.

[jim]

Anyone else really jealous of what sounds like a fantastic, stimulating and rewarding work environment far away from middle-management cluelessness and "employee engagement" questionnaires...?

[jagardina]

"Transistor comes to mind as something that was useful" This is an awesome quote.

[KarlTykke]

I joined Bell Labs about the same time, in a larger development organization that was devoted to working on problems directly related to communication systems. In these organizations the efforts were much more focused and results oriented. However, these organizations interacted strongly with "Area 1". the basic research organization. The research organization was always enthusiastic about pitching in to see if they could impact a practical problem. And so a related benefit was the opportunity of development engineers to interact with people such as Brian Kerrigan.

[steverodgers]

This management model is called Open Allocation. Only a few companies practice it today. Valve Software is one which comes to mind. Most companies use Closed Allocation which basically means: "Work on this problem or be fired.". Bell Labs is missed. We need to bring something like it back. Corporations today can't afford to fund such an entity, but it is in the interests of nation/states to do so. I've always wondered why nation/states do not step up to the plate and set up an organization with the same management style as Bell Labs.

[NikolajLepka]

I love how he talks about Ritchie while having his world-famous book on C programming laying on the shelf in the background..

Ritchie changed the world of computing. RIP

[wibas]

With in few moments of video, I started envying this pioneer, LOL look at his unassuming and simple way to describe his work and accomplishment. He is blessed for sure

[unlokia]

_"The K&R Book"_ - even if I hardly ever use it, it's reassuring to know it's there beside me in my room :)

Thank you, K & R

[Snoopod]

Brian Computerphile has really stepped it up!!!!

[gklinger]

Setting aside his many accomplishments and contributions, you'd be hard pressed to find a nicer person than Brian Kernighan.

[hikari_no_yume]

Kernighan!!! The K of K&R!!!

RIP Dennis Ritchie :(

[BorlandC]

Awesome to hear an interview from the man himself! A little while back I read a book called "Exploding The Phone". They pretty much portray Bell as an arrogant monopoly. Very surprising to hear his very open experience.

[BonkyTrollDoll]

This video should have more views. I'm not even a big computer guy, just a fan of Brady's Video Empire, but this is a really nice interview. I didn't even know who he was until I read some of the comments. He gives off a super positive vibe.

[Desmaad]

The way he described timesharing reminds me of how multitasking works; in fact, it probably inspired many of the mulitasking systems out today!

[ur-mom-gay]

i wasnt even alive back then but the more i hear about bell labs the more i feel like i missed out on probably the coolest place to work in comp sci

[MaxxPowerFTW]

This work environment seems absolutely amazing! Just the free rein to create and design new technologies!

[donmoore]

My dad retired from Bell Labs in 1969 after 42 years of service to Western Electric and Bell Labs. What an amazing era of innovation in technology he enjoyed. I worked for GE in the 1980s with some amazing people, on wonderful leading edge research and products for the military. Later I worked for Lucent, which was interesting because I ended my career as an MTS, like dad was.

[deadfreightwest]

Back in the days before MBAs there was thought and creation.

Now there's activity. Aimless, busy, pointless activity.

[joycekoo-ue]

I was very lucky to have brief encounter of both bell lab and Watson lab. Both were outstanding places for idea exchange, no proposal, fast paced research. Current Japan education research still has similar arrangements, big company contribute funding to outstanding researchers, no string attached. Sad nothing in this neck of the woods any more.

[Whitefox]

I knew guy exactly like Brian Kernighan, had the same experiences as well such as programming punch cards. It is always a real treat to hear these guys talk about their old work experiences especially with all the ideas they had in the time which are being implemented today.

Great video, I am waiting with bated breathe for the interview you do with this guy on the C programming language (I love C/C++, please don't kill me).