The article discusses the concept of 'null' in computer systems, distinguishing it from zero and explaining its significance as a placeholder for 'no value.' It highlights personal anecdotes from individuals affected by this term in practical scenarios, such as visa applications and hotel reservations. Notably, Tony Hoare, who introduced 'null', later criticized it as his 'billion-dollar mistake' due to the complications it introduces in programming. The experiences of those named Null illustrate the unexpected frustrations that can arise from this fundamental programming concept.
"I had to mentally come to terms with not being able to go," Nontra, a 41-year-old clothing designer in Burbank, California, told The Wall Street Journal. (Luckily, the visa came through the day before her flight.)
Jan learned his lesson the hard way years ago when a reservation form kept resetting whenever he entered his last name. Eventually, he called the hotel employees, who suggested entering a different last name.
My wife gets super pissed off about it and she hates that I still have the license plate," Tartaro told the.
Hoare has called null his 'billion-dollar mistake' because of the numerous issues it has caused in programming and data handling.
Collection
[
|
...
]