The curse of variety in computing, and what can be done about it

TL;DR

This paper discusses how excessive flexibility in computing leads to various problems and proposes a universal framework based on the SP theory of intelligence to unify data and language representations, potentially simplifying computing.

Contribution

It introduces the SP machine and the concept of a universal framework for knowledge representation to address diversity-related issues in computing.

Findings

Potential to unify thousands of file types into one

Potential to consolidate hundreds of programming languages into one

The SP machine can help mitigate issues like bit rot and cybersecurity problems

Abstract

Excess freedom in how computers are used creates problems that include: bit rot, problems with big data, problems in the creation and debugging of software, and problems with cyber security. To tame excess freedom, "tough love" is needed in the form of a {\em universal framework for the representation and processing of diverse kinds of knowledge} (UFK). The "SP machine", based on the "SP theory of intelligence", has the potential to provide that framework and to help solve the problems above. There is potential to reduce the near-4000 different kinds of computer file to one, and to reduce the hundreds of different computer languages to one.