#45 Two Software Disasters

#45 Two Software Disasters

Author: David Kopec, Rebecca Kopec April 19, 2021 Duration: 25:36

While software has reduced human error in many industries, when software errors are made they can have tragic consequences. The Boeing 737 MAX crashes, occurring shortly after the introduction of the plane, were due in part to a software error in a flight maneuvering system called MCAS.

Some software developers in the 20th century chose to use 2 digits to represent each date, which led to the Y2K bug when the year hit 2000. They saved 1 byte per date, but systems that used 2 digits would roll dates from 1999 to 1900. Mitigating the problem cost hundreds of billions of dollars.

We discuss whether these software disasters were software errors, human errors, or some combination of the two. We also discuss the follow-up to the Y2K issue, the upcoming 2038 bug.

Show Notes

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Ever wondered how the apps on your phone actually work, or what really happens when you click "download"? Kopec Explains Software is here to demystify those everyday digital mysteries. Hosted by David and Rebecca Kopec, this conversation breaks down complex, software-related ideas into clear, relatable concepts you can grasp. The focus isn't on jargon or textbook definitions, but on building a genuine, intuitive feel for how technology operates. Each episode picks apart a different facet of the software world, from the fundamentals of coding to the ethics of artificial intelligence, translating technical subjects into plain English. You'll come away not just with new knowledge, but with a clearer framework for understanding the digital systems that shape our lives. It’s a straightforward, engaging resource for anyone with curiosity about the technology they use daily, whether you're a seasoned professional looking for a fresh perspective or a complete novice starting from scratch. Tune into the podcast for thoughtful discussions that make the vast and often intimidating landscape of software feel accessible and genuinely interesting.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Kopec Explains Software
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