Following up on findings generated from Original Internet Architecture (demonstating that mediocre programmers in a snit-fit could design network architecture), researchers have learned that baboons can program Visual Basic and XML:
Research by scientists suggests that higher primates represent certain kinds of knowledge internally by discrete symbol structures, called scripts. This research tends to support the hypothesis that primates can program. Other scientific research also supports the idea that primates may be used for routine programming, such as maintenance and report writing, within 10 years.
The implications of McAuliffe’s work has wide scope, and may effect software developer education, open source programming, H1-B visas, and commercial software testing. The research is already making waves in the business community. Some early adopters– and even some venture capitalists– are funding business models based on so-called ‘primate programming’. One such firm is the VC-backed startup Primate Programming Inc. It remains to be seen how effective the exploitation of this research will be in the marketplace.
Primate blogger types: read the whole thing.
I wonder if their programs will show buffer over/underflow errors.
But their Documentation will be just as “good” as from any other SW company!
They may only work for bananas, but the capital cost of cleaning, repairing and replacing hardware smothered in feces and urine will still cost more than paying the salary for some zit-caked wonder-teen, fresh out of college.
Now, monkeys working in India, well, that’s an untapped resource and another story entirely…