The Art of Abstraction - Computerphile

Abstraction is at the heart of everything to do with computing. James Clewett takes us through the layers abstracting the pixels forming this text on screen from the electrons in the computer.

This video was filmed and edited by Sean Riley.

[scienceprimo]

Q: "How do you take a child and introduce them to the concept of 1's and 0's and the logic gates"

A: Redstone in minecraft. It's one of the best learning tools for experimenting with logic and abstraction in an engaging way.

[Tomato]

"I like Windows Phone"

Wow, so he is the second user of it, now I know them all!

[ataylortca]

I've always wondered how the computer ACTUALLY worked - all the information behind the many layers of abstraction. What if digital technology died tomorrow and we had to rebuild it from scratch? I'd have no idea how and am simply dependent, standing on the shoulders of giants, but with no awareness of the details of their work. This video was awesome in providing some initial answers as to how digital technology works.

[exiletomars]

I feel like things like Arduinos and Raspberry Pis and similar things will give kids excitement to get into computers and such.

[kennyrosas-mondragon]

As 19 year old and second semester of college I think the problem is that kids are not being exposed to stuff like programming or working with logic gates, The only reason why I started is because I took a class called Digital Electronics back in the 9th grade I got 34% in that class but was really blown away, how complex PCs where compared to what they used to be and what drives them so i got into C# programming I've spent the Past 4-5 Years know programming random stuff for fun and it's great :) Also my senior year i retook that class and got a 96% because I didn't fully understand Flip-Flops. :/

[CurtisDyer]

I've seen a lot of dubious introductions for teaching people about computer programming, but it seems like you guys are off to a great start with this channel. I really hope this channel takes off.

I feel like channels like these are what's going to help younger kids get into more tinkering.

[gremlinextreme]

I dedicated the last 3 years of my life to a computer engineering degree just so I could understand how to go from transistors to high level programming. Each layer of abstraction is taught as a separate class. Digital design, computer organization, compiler design and digital electronics are the subfields that cover the entirety of this transition.

[passive_annihilation]

This hit the spot for me. I really feel like we're flying into this world of computing largely unprepared. The average user doesn't care how things work anymore. And while we can't all be specialists in everything, if we're going to depend on computers and use them and unconsciously trust them the way we already do, I think we all have a certain responsibilities to ourselves, at least, to be a little more informed.

[DivinityStripes]

I was emotionally moved by this video...

Thank you, Brady and James!!! I love your videos and am loving this channel!

[Semikami]

I've grown up with things I didn't/couldn't take apart yet I've learned a lot about how computers work from low level assembly to high level languages and repairing or upgrading consoles and computers.

[GoldTrousers]

I feel so at home with Computerphile. I've always been into computer science and I've been programming for years yet I've never known anyone i can have an educated discussion about computers with. I always feel like there is a magic people are missing out on by not understanding the fundamentals of computing and logic.

[LamdaComplex]

There needs to be more videos on Abstraction in computing and software. In the description it states that "Abstraction is at the heart of everything to do with computing". Which is probably the most truthful statement you can make about computing as a whole. Just this one video isn't enough.

[unvergebeneid]

Being so specific about what your problems where will certainly help make future videos more accessible.

[EdPwnz]

Taking apart a laptop and a desktop and trying to understand how pressing keys out here were transferred on the screen is what got me into Computer Engineering. First year and I can say, I can't wait to go back to school and see what we'll be doing next. I've learned a lot but i have much more learning to do.

[Skyfox]

That's what I love about my Commodore 64.  I can take it apart, remove and swap components, fix problems with some soldering, tinker and see what it's thinking with an oscilloscope, and turn it on to that lovely blue screen and talk to it with a computer program that can make it do anything I want.  Studying the schematic and seeing the waveforms on the oscilloscope is all incredibly fascinating.

[AlphaCrucis]

This channel is getting even more exciting! I was hoping for some Dr. Clewett videos.

[ButzPunk]

I love opening up my computer to have a look at all the circuit boards and whatsits. Sometimes, I just sit and marvel at how amazing it is that this complex system of switches can simulate entire worlds for me to enjoy.

[redsunrises]

Where are the people interested in how things work? Well, even i, a teenager am fascimated and mindblown that you could build a computer out of such limited parts and i want to know how. Those interested in how things work are right here, watching Computerphile :)

[vwabi]

Layers of abstraction: (there are multiple answers, this is just mine)
1: Seeing pixels on screen
2: Programming code
3: Assembly
4: Machine code
5: Logical switches
6: Electrical engineering
7: Electrons
8: Quantum mechanics

Each of these is a huge step, which is why it's so amazing we've achieved it all in such a short time (early 70's is when computing really started)

[davidsweeney]

I like this guy, he explains things well and will hold this whole channel together I suspect. Lets have more of him.