Everything Is a File? | Shop Talk #84
from Dave’s Garage: Shop Talk Hosted by Dave Plummer and Glen Hodges
What does it really mean when programmers say "everything is a file"? In Shop Talk #84, Dave Plummer and Glen Hodges answer viewer questions inspired by the recent fopen() discussion and explore one of the most influential ideas in computing: abstraction. The conversation begins with a question about why computer science classes often feel disconnected from real-world software development before diving deep into file descriptors, FILE pointers, pipes, devices, mmap, Unix philosophy, and the surprising design decisions that shaped modern operating systems. Topics include: • Why CS classes don't always reflect the real world • Learning programming in the age of AI • Neurodiversity and problem solving • fopen(), FILE*, and file descriptors • Pipes, devices, and streams • DOS versus Unix approaches to I/O • Why "everything is a file" became such a powerful idea • Whether we'd design operating systems the same way today Plus a few slot-machine questions, Flying Spaghetti Monster sightings, and other classic Shop Talk detours. #ShopTalk #Programming #Unix #ComputerScience #DavePlummer
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