Flynn's Taxonomy as a modern classification

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the relevance and applicability of Flynn's Taxonomy, a classification of computer architectures from 1966, in evaluating modern computing systems. Participants explore its usefulness, shortcomings, and the implications of its generalizations in the context of contemporary computing technologies.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that Flynn's Taxonomy remains useful, questioning the necessity of identifying shortcomings in older concepts.
  • Others argue that the taxonomy is limited to traditional models like von Neumann and Harvard architectures and does not encompass newer paradigms such as quantum computing.
  • One participant emphasizes that taxonomic systems are based on generalizations and that Flynn's Taxonomy can still be applied effectively in practical scenarios.
  • There is a suggestion that the discussion may be homework-related, prompting questions about how to properly categorize the thread.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relevance of Flynn's Taxonomy, with some defending its continued applicability while others highlight its limitations in the context of modern computing. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall effectiveness of the taxonomy.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the taxonomy's generalizations may not account for all computing models, particularly emerging technologies. There is also a mention of practical considerations in applying the taxonomy to current systems.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to students and professionals in computer science and engineering, particularly those exploring the evolution of computer architecture and classification systems.

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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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.
 
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?
 
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.
 
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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