Re:Typical Java Handwaving (Score 1)

I haate that students coming out of universities, when asked about registers and how would they write a multiply routine if they only had shifts and adds, ask "why do I need to know this?"

As a college-level CS instructor, I desperately hope none of my students ever says that. The answer is: You're not supposed to know it. You're supposed to understand numbers, algorithms and computers well enough that you can figure it out if someone asks you. You're supposed to be familiar with the concept of sometimes having to do things you're accustomed to having done for you, whatever they might be, sometimes unexpectedly. You're supposed to be smart.

CJV