[nealabq]

Is there a line between research/discovery and engineering? Binary numbers and Boolean algebra is discovery, while IEEE floating-point numbers are engineering. Choosing digital over analog is engineering, while inventing the transistor is discovery. Serial over parallel for networks and busses -- engineering. Turning machine & halting problem -- discovery. Von Neumann architecture -- engineering. Combinatory logic -- discovery. LISP -- engineering. Public key encryption -- discovery. Graphical UIs -- engineering.

But there are fuzzy areas, like hashmaps. Discovery or engineering?

Tho perhaps it's pointless, or worse, elitist to even make this distinction.