Interactive computing

Interactive computing

Interactive computing is a part of computer science. It involves software that takes input from the user while it is running. This means the user can talk to the computer program, and the program can respond right away. This is different from programs that run on their own without needing help from a person.

Common examples of interactive software are word processors and spreadsheet applications. People use these programs every day. When you type a letter or change numbers in a spreadsheet, you are using interactive computing because the program changes based on what you do.

The main idea behind interactive computing is to have a conversation between the computer and the person using it. This needs special technologies to work well. Sometimes, if the computer’s responses are very advanced, it can feel like the computer is having a conversation, thanks to social interfaces. Scientists study how interactive computing affects users in a field called computer interaction.

History of interactive computing systems

Ivan Sutherland is called the father of interactive computing for his work on Sketchpad, an interactive graphics program he made in 1963. He later worked at ARPA's Information Processing Techniques Office.

Douglas Engelbart created the NLS system. He imagined how people could use computers and share knowledge in a big virtual space. In 1965, he showed his early work with pointing devices, like the computer mouse, for use on interactive display workstations. His ideas helped shape interactive computing and influenced companies like Xerox PARC and Apple. In 2008, SRI celebrated Engelbart's important contributions.

Current research

Interactive computing needs users to keep giving input. This makes it different from batch processing systems that run on their own.

Researchers are working on new ways to program and make sure interactive computing is safe and reliable. IPython is a tool for scientific computing that helps show data. The School of Interactive Computing at the Georgia Institute of Technology started in 2007 and offers advanced degrees. The Tangible Media Group at MIT tries to connect digital and physical worlds in new ways.