How did Unix fit in 64kB RAM?
The article discusses how the spell program, used for spell-checking in Unix systems, could operate with just 64 KB of RAM. The author explains the functioning principles and simplicity of the underlying algorithm. The program employs a reduced dictionary to the bare essentials, which permits memory savings. It reveals that despite its simplicity, spell effectively addresses the spell-checking issue, identifying errors within the text. The article also emphasizes how crucial it was to optimize code during times when memory was a precious resource in computers. Beyond the program itself, the author sheds light on the broader perspective of Unix systems, whose architecture was conscious of hardware limitations.