Re:The second operating system hiding in every mobile phone
by ewbuoi on Monday November 18, 2013 @01:20AM
(#6752914)
The complexity of software doesn't preclude standardized "building codes." Obviously the codes would have to be just as complex, but software could be used to check that those codes are met. It wouldn't be perfect, but current building codes for physical buildings also have their flaws (every building [vs design] needs to be physically inspected by a person [much easier to exploit than a machine]).
And there is simply NO COMPARISON in complexity to software. In physical building, you over engineer and get redundancy. You also know that almost everyone builds plumb and level, rectangular rooms, with easy span and shear calculations. You also know that wood follows a predictable strength pattern. So you put in enough nails of the right length, to enough wood of the right thickness, and you're good. How much intelligence do you think you need to follow a building code? Building materials and techniques change GLACIALLY compared to software. (A good thing!)
Whereas in software, one single bit flip will just fuck you up.