Computing Theory and Practice,

This note is somewhat tangential to the theme of the corresponding panel session, but it is presented in the belief that the evolution of the relationship between theory and practice in computational sciences is crucial to the healthy development of these sciences and the corresponding engineering practice. It seems appropriate to consider these matters at the beginning of a new discipline. Many subdisciplines in computer science research or practice have formed the basis of theoretical work which is aimed at shedding light on the corresponding applied work. This theorectical work is distinguished by the use of mathematical tools or modes of thinking. This essay will discuss both the benefits and pitfalls of theory, with an emphasis on pitfalls. It is written from the perspective of one who is charged by the Navy to support research which is both excellent science and which is likely to have an impact on important Navy problems. The search for combinations of these qualities leads one to be rather impatient with certain endeavors. There will be a tendency here to apply somewhat pejorative terms to theoretical work with little impact on practice. The point of view will be that of one who is seeking a payoff from research in the medium term. Author