Topics Discussed: How have computers changed?, What’s inside a computer?, Layers of abstraction, RISC vs CISC computer architectures, Designing a good instruction set is an art, Measures of performance, RISC instruction set, RISC-V open standard instruction set architecture, Why do ARM implementations vary?, Simple is beautiful in instruction set design, How machine learning changed computers, Machine learning benchmarks, Quantum computing, Moore’s law, RAID data storage, Teaching, Wrestling, Meaning of life.
David Patterson
David Patterson is an American computer pioneer and academic who has held the position of professor of computer science at the University of California, Berkeley since 1976. He announced retirement in 2016 after serving nearly forty years, becoming a distinguished software engineer at Google. He currently is vice chair of the board of directors of the RISC-V Foundation, and the Pardee Professor of Computer Science, Emeritus at UC Berkeley.
Books Mentioned in this Podcast with David Patterson:
David Patterson: Pioneering the Future of Computing
Lex Fridman engages in an enlightening conversation with David Patterson, a Turing Award laureate and distinguished professor of computer science at Berkeley. Renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to RISC processor architecture and RAID storage systems, Patterson has been instrumental in shaping the modern computing landscape.
RISC Architecture: The Revolution in Computing
Patterson delves into the intricacies of RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) architecture, highlighting its transformative impact on the world of computing. Emphasizing the efficiency and power of RISC, he explains how it has become the bedrock for 99% of new chips today, driving advancements in countless technological domains.
RAID Storage: Elevating Data Management
Turning his attention to RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) storage systems, Patterson elucidates the significance of this innovation. By providing a mechanism for distributing data across multiple drives, RAID has revolutionized data storage, offering enhanced performance and resilience against failures.
An Educator's Journey: Shaping Minds for Tomorrow
Beyond his technical contributions, Patterson is revered as a luminary in computer science education. His pedagogical endeavors, including his seminal book co-authored with John Hennessy, have inspired and educated countless students, laying a foundation for the next generation of innovators and thinkers.