Extreme Simplification for Technical Knowledge

Eliminating extraneous complexity from precisely expressed

information (such as software) forces convergence in the design for the semantics of the language expressing the information. As elimination becomes thorough, the underlying language can approach an enduring optimum design for communicating technical knowledge simply across a wide range of subject matter.

From 1971 to 1997 serious effort to simplify software led to a
cascade of simplifications which are not widely known: 

1. A long-standing dichotomy has obscured the possibility of
combining the capabilities of two classes of computer language: 
     - the many languages which emphasize rich data structures
and 
     - a few languages which permit rich plural expressions 
          such as SQL or APL. 
Satisfying needs for both capabilities in one language can be
done by imposing constraints on the choice of design for
fundamental building blocks of information. The data objects need
both flexible interconnection AND sequencing connections which
allow for a common style of iteration through sets. 

Resolving the dichotomy simplifies applications and increases the
generality of underlying semantics in a style closer to natural
language. 

2. Such simplification was achieved in a language with a single
common structure for all information building blocks. 
This suggested that designing a language that presses the limits
of eliminating extraneous complexity in representing rich
applications, would lead to an enduring optimum design for easily
arranged information building blocks. It also suggested such an
optimum would be analogous to other enduring engineering optima
such as round wheels, vertical pillars, flat mirrors, etc.

3. The analogy was partially supported except that geometrical
clarity was lacking. A candidate optimum was identified. An
initial plausibility argument ("Toward Perfect Information
Microstructures" on the web site) was developed that the design
was at least near optimum. 

4. Eliminating different sources of extraneous complexity lead
toward a more constrained and unified underlying language design.
Agreement on a near optimum for information building blocks can
facilitate further design convergence. 

This addresses the challenge effectively by providing a core
language semantics design that can remain stable and culture
independent. It can represent a wide range of precise technical
knowledge with near-maximum simplicity for a global population. 

The technical problem is to design computer language which permits
thorough elimination of extraneous complexity from software. The
effort described in the "pitch" above results in:
 - large simplification of expression. 
 - convergent design.
 - wide generality of subject matter.
 - an enduring optimum design for easily arranged building blocks
      of information can be approached.
 - the language itself can be simple, 65 pages in one version.

Next is to show that such a language can be used to communicate 
technical knowledge in educational and work settings. "Formal
Language as a Medium for Technical Education" on the web site
shows an encouraging start.

Avoiding extraneous complexity is a fundamental advantage for
learning. Other designers are 40 years behind the proposed simplicity
levels -- giving this design a relatively high level of credibility.

By 1982 it was possible to build a data base describing cities
and states and enter a computation written as:

6 = count every state where populatn of some city of it > 1000000

This query in a general purpose language seeks verification that
six U.S. states have cities with more than a million inhabitants.
An equivalent computation in current major programming languages
inexcusably requires over three times as many symbols.

The evidence needs more space.

Understanding how to simplify technical language seems likely to
have a long term pervasive impact. A practical optimum design for
easily arranged building blocks of information may become as enduring
and accepted as the shape of bricks.

There is only fragmentary evidence that quantifies the benefit.
An early effort to understand physics by translating some of it
into a simple computer style language resulted in finding an
image of the electromagnetic field in space-time. See "The
Electromagnetic Field in Space-time" on the web site. There may
be no other image from theoretical physics which is as precise,
detailed, and fundamental.

Noticing a willingness to discuss the issues fully. - Leadership acceptance of serious efforts to simplify.

Observed appropriate behavior. - Leadership acceptance of efforts to find optimum design for data objects.

Observed appropriate behavior. - Pursuit of language for broad technical literacy.

There seem to be about 25 engineering optimizations of single
part where elimination of a deficiency converges to an enduring
design. Round wheels, vertical pillars, flat mirrors, etc.

This design is about 45 years ahead of other efforts to express
software simply.

Pressing limits of eliminating extraneous complexity directly
addresses the human need for efficient thought processes and
reduction of confusion, especially when teachers may not be available.

Established languages usually treat arrays as primary data
structures to provide efficient storage use and fast machine
access to array elements. But they prevent resolution of the
dichotomy between rich data structures simple plural expressions.
The proposed approach provides simplicity for the human while
leaving machine efficiency to compiler optimization, etc.

It will be available in books and pamphlets. Computer support 

will be helpful when available.  Summaries of book chapters

can be written in such language. It can also be used as a lingua

franca (mostly written) for groups of students and workers 

dealing with technical problems.  Directions for technical 

equipment can use the language as a supplement for describing

internal states and changes to systems.

I am hoping the effort will be adopted by established organizations.

Reducing extraneous complexity will yield diminishing returns as zero extraneous complexity is approached. 

For decades an important limiting factor has been an erroneous impression
that little opportunity for improvement existed.

http://users.rcn.com/eslowry

I hope to find people who are able and willing to support disruptive
technological improvement which extends intellectual ability
to work with technical ideas for a much wider community.

None.