Writing graphics software gets much easier
A new programming language for image-processing algorithms yields code that’s much shorter and clearer — but also faster.
Excel programming for nonprogrammers
A new system allows Excel users to create customized functions for their spreadsheets simply by offering a few examples of how data should be manipulated.
An oracle for object-oriented programmers
By automatically cataloging connections between software 'objects,' a new system orients programmers joining large software projects in midstream.
Machines that learn better
New math will make it much easier to build machine-learning systems that tackle a wider range of problems.
3 Questions: Mitchel Resnick
Creator of the popular Scratch programming language discusses Apple’s decision to disallow Scratch viewer for iPhones and iPads.
Computing, Sudoku-style
Computer scientists generally see computation as something like following a recipe. Alexey Radul sees it as more like a puzzle with interconnecting parts.
Reporter's Notebook: Inventing language
MIT’s Barbara Liskov, winner of the Turing Award, describes how she helped lay the foundations for today’s programming languages.