The article argues that the perception of C as a “low‑level” language has become outdated.
- **Historical context** – In the early 1970s, C on the PDP‑11 was literally close to the metal: each statement mapped to one or two machine instructions, memory was flat, and the execution model was straightforward.
- **Modern hardware** – Today’s CPUs are far more complex (multi‑core, deep pipelines, out‑of‑order execution, vector units, large caches, speculative execution). They are designed to run legacy C code efficiently, but the underlying reality is far removed from the simple model that early C programmers relied on.
- **The illusion** – Modern processors adapt to preserve the old C abstract machine, giving developers the impression that C is still “low‑level.” This illusion hides a mismatch between what C promises (predictable, simple mapping to hardware) and what the hardware actually does.
- **Historical context** – In the early 1970s, C on the PDP‑11 was literally close to the metal: each statement mapped to one or two machine instructions, memory was flat, and the execution model was straightforward.
- **Modern hardware** – Today’s CPUs are far more complex (multi‑core, deep pipelines, out‑of‑order execution, vector units, large caches, speculative execution). They are designed to run legacy C code efficiently, but the underlying reality is far removed from the simple model that early C programmers relied on.
- **The illusion** – Modern processors adapt to preserve the old C abstract machine, giving developers the impression that C is still “low‑level.” This illusion hides a mismatch between what C promises (predictable, simple mapping to hardware) and what the hardware actually does.
* **Enigma Touch:** Jürgen Müller’s Enigma replica is now available for order, featuring a unique all-electronic design and a focus on replicating the original user experience. A Google Group has been created for discussion and related activities.
* **PiDP-1:** The PiDP-1 kit is nearing completion and expected to ship at the end of July, with both console and rack-mounted versions available. A Google Group has been launched for the PiDP-1 community.
* **ARPANET Reconstruction:** Lars Brinkhoff has made significant progress in reconstructing the ARPANET, allowing for connections between emulated PDP-10s and modern Linux machines. The project seeks volunteers to expand the network.
* **LGP-30:** Work is underway on a replica of the LGP-30, with a focus on creating an authentic 1950s metal case.
* **PiDP-10 & Software:** Updates on software for the PiDP-8/11, and a note about running the original Micro-Soft BASIC on a PiDP-10.
* **Whirlwind:** Initial planning for a Whirlwind replica is underway.
* **PiDP-1:** The PiDP-1 kit is nearing completion and expected to ship at the end of July, with both console and rack-mounted versions available. A Google Group has been launched for the PiDP-1 community.
* **ARPANET Reconstruction:** Lars Brinkhoff has made significant progress in reconstructing the ARPANET, allowing for connections between emulated PDP-10s and modern Linux machines. The project seeks volunteers to expand the network.
* **LGP-30:** Work is underway on a replica of the LGP-30, with a focus on creating an authentic 1950s metal case.
* **PiDP-10 & Software:** Updates on software for the PiDP-8/11, and a note about running the original Micro-Soft BASIC on a PiDP-10.
* **Whirlwind:** Initial planning for a Whirlwind replica is underway.
The December 2024 newsletter from Obsolescence Guaranteed covers updates on new projects such as PiDP-10 and PiDP-1, news about existing projects like PiDP-8 and PiDP-11, and upcoming plans for 2025 including a PiDP-1 replica and an annual programming competition.
CEDS is a retrocomputing micro-factory, producing and shipping PiDP-10 replica kits. They also offer assembled PiDP-11 units, with the option of selecting assembled or unassembled kits in the order form. For placing an order, fill in the required information and submit the order form.
includes bsd etc images
