Flynn's Taxonomy as a modern classification

In summary, Flynn's Taxonomy, a classification of computer architectures published in 1966, is still a useful tool for analyzing and understanding computing systems. However, it may have shortcomings when evaluating modern systems, such as quantum computing. Taxonomic systems are based on generalizations, so they may not always apply to every type of system. Ultimately, the effectiveness of Flynn's Taxonomy depends on the specific context and purpose for which it is being used.
  • #1
joel amos
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Flynn's Taxonomy was a classification of computer architectures published in 1966. Computing has changed a lot since then. Is this taxonomy still useful? What are some of its shortcomings for evaluating modern computing systems?
 
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  • #2
The short answer is yes. Why must older concepts have shortcomings? Fujitsu makes very expensive Sparc SIMD chips for Solaris systems, right now.
PS: if this is homework, which it sounds like, we may want to put it in another forum section.

Taxonomy is pigeon-holing to allow someone to start working on analyzing what they have. It often is used to set expectations or provide parameters or be explanatory for something. And to show how it relates to other similar things - in this case cpu's.

Taxonomy effectively started with Carl von Linne - Linnaeus (1707-1778). It (taxonomy) is actively used in many different disciplines.
 
  • #3
Yes, this is homework. How do I move it?

jim mcnamara said:
Why must older concepts have shortcomings?

I'd tend to agree, but the question implies that there is. You can see no weaknesses of the taxonomy?
 
  • #4
Ok. Taxonomic systems are based on generalizations. Flynn's taxonomy works for the von Neumann model or Havard model cpu and extensions thereof. It does not include other system models, like quantum computing, IMO.

[rant]
Note the IMO - this is exactly the point with a taxonomic system. It is a generalization. So you get to work out how to apply it to some extent at least. However, I've been in the field for quite a few years - everything I've worked with, overseen the purchase of - fits perfectly. So, from a practical standpoint, today, Flynn works darned well. Practical == I can buy a tested, debugged, working box at a non-astronomical cost.
[/rant]

Seriously:
What do your lecture notes say? I would go with whatever slant your prof takes. As I said, the IMO factor counts for something in this endeavor.
 
  • #5
joel amos said:
Yes, this is homework. How do I move it?
You can't, but you can ask a mentor to do so, by clicking the Report button. In this case, however, I think that since this is more of a conceptual sort of question, the best place for this thread is right here.
 
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Likes jim mcnamara

FAQ: Flynn's Taxonomy as a modern classification

1. What is Flynn's Taxonomy?

Flynn's Taxonomy is a classification system used to categorize computer architectures and instruction set architectures based on their parallelism and instruction streams.

2. How many categories are there in Flynn's Taxonomy?

There are four categories in Flynn's Taxonomy: SISD (Single Instruction, Single Data), SIMD (Single Instruction, Multiple Data), MISD (Multiple Instruction, Single Data), and MIMD (Multiple Instruction, Multiple Data).

3. What is the difference between SISD and SIMD?

In SISD systems, a single instruction is executed on a single piece of data at a time. In SIMD systems, a single instruction is executed on multiple pieces of data simultaneously.

4. How is MISD different from MIMD?

MISD systems have multiple instructions operating on a single piece of data at the same time, while MIMD systems have multiple instructions operating on multiple pieces of data simultaneously.

5. What is the significance of Flynn's Taxonomy in modern computing?

Flynn's Taxonomy is important in modern computing because it helps classify and understand the different types of parallelism in computer systems, which is crucial for optimizing performance and designing efficient hardware and software.

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