Re: Post your setup!
Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2023 10:37 pm
Thank you!
As for Hacker's Delight, it's a great book, but it's uses in modern programming are basically zero.
It's a collection of clever math hacks and bit tricks with a focus on optimising RISC assembly. The book uses three different kinds of notation, computer algebraic notation, a "basic RISC" instruction set (the most common shared opcodes across RISC architectures at the time), and C code. If you're writing MIPS assembly (hello, PS2!), or RISC assembly for another system, and you need extremely fast math, then it's pure gold.
If the reader mostly spends time with JIT compiled languages, or interpreted languages, then the book is worthless. I don't think many readers would get much out of it even if they were writing modern C/C++, because CISC architecture has evolved so much, and modern computing power so cheap, that taking the time to write inline assembly probably isn't worth it (and you'll probably be beaten by modern compilers, too).
But, don't let me put you off the book! I don't use it often, but when I do it's priceless! I think there's some merit to at least seeing some of these tricks, and, honestly, it's a tome of pure engineering marvels. If you can pick up a used copy for cheap, I think you'll enjoy it!