Featured in Five is a monthly section where we pose five questions to a Computing Reviews featured reviewer. Here are the responses from our current featured reviewer, Alexandre Bergel (University of Chile).
Q: What is the most important thing that's happened in computing in the past 10 years?
A: As a software engineer, I would say that the growing presence of JavaScript is indeed a revolution, both for end users and software engineers. Ten years ago, nobody thought about this. Java appeared to be the ultimate programming language, but it did not go as far as most of us expected. As a user of computing technologies, the fact that I can seamlessly work on my laptop, desktop computer, mobile or tablet is truly a game changer. JavaScript plays an important role in this.
Q: By the end of your career, where do you think computer science will have taken us? What are you working on that might contribute toward that?
A: Computers will continue to be closer to humans. There are currently places where computers do not accompany humans, during a hike or underwater for example. Computers will probably monitor our habits to make us more eco-friendly, at home, in a car or in the street. This means that software will be more adaptive, context aware, and simple to use and to conceive.
All of my research is focused on making software better. Humans are pretty bad at producing software. We are much better at producing planes and buildings. My research is about producing tools and methodologies to make software engineering simpler and more efficient.
Q: Who is your favorite historical figure? Why?
A: Jacques Cousteau fascinates me. He was an amazing scientist who excelled at valorizing his findings. Valorizing an idea is something that few scientists actually do or even think about. It is very rare when an idea or a finding goes further than a mere publication. Not only did Cousteau significantly expand human knowledge and the ability to explore the underwater world, but he also made it closer to us. Unfortunately, there are very few Jacques Cousteaus in computing. Computer science is a very young field still.
Q: If you weren't working in the computer science field, what would you be doing instead?
A: Biology. Since childhood, I have always been fascinated with what nature can do.
Q: What is your favorite type of music?
A: Classical music, especially impressionist music (Debussy, Ravel).
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Click here to learn more about Alexandre Bergel, and here to read one of his recent reviews.
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