The Origin of Concurrent Programming: From Semaphores to RPC

In this review of The Origin of Concurrent Programming: From Semaphores to Remote Procedure Calls the bottom line is straightforward: this anthology is essential for readers who already understand operating system basics and want primary-source insight into the early breakthroughs that shaped concurrent programming. The volume collects 19 original papers by pioneering authors, with introductions that place each paper in context, making it a unique reference rather than a beginner textbook. For programmers, researchers, and advanced students who need historical perspective and primary technical accounts, this book provides unmatched firsthand material.

Key Features

• Primary-source papers: Nineteen original articles present the foundational research and first-hand accounts of major advances in concurrent programming so readers see ideas as they were introduced.
• Contextual introductions: Each paper includes an introduction that summarizes the work and explains its historical and technical significance, helping readers connect older results to modern practice.
• Coverage of key milestones: The anthology spans major breakthroughs from the mid 1960s to the late 1970s, showing the evolution from semaphores to remote procedure calls and related concurrency mechanisms.
• Written by pioneers: Many contributions are authored by the original inventors, offering authoritative explanations and firsthand perspectives unavailable in later secondary sources.
• Targeted reference value: The collection is organized as a reference for professionals and researchers, making it useful for citation, historical study, and deep technical reading.

Who It's For

This book is aimed at professional programmers, researchers, and graduate students in electrical engineering and computer science who already have a familiarity with operating system principles and want to understand the origins of concurrent programming at a technical level.

It is not intended as an introductory textbook for beginners or as a hands-on programming guide; readers without prior operating systems knowledge should consult an introductory text before tackling these original papers and their dense, historically framed arguments.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Collects original, canonical papers that are invaluable for historical and technical reference.
• Introductions added by the editor help summarize and contextualize each paper, saving readers time when approaching older material.
• Authored by pioneers, the volume offers authoritative perspectives not found in later summaries.

Cons

• Assumes familiarity with operating system concepts, so it can be challenging for readers without that background.

Specifications

Title	The Origin of Concurrent Programming: From Semaphores to Remote Procedure Calls
Editor / Brand	Per Brinch Hansen
Contents	Collection of 19 original papers with editorial introductions
Time period covered	Mid 1960s to late 1970s
Intended audience	Professional programmers, researchers, and students of EE and CS
Prerequisite knowledge	Familiarity with operating system principles assumed

Our Verdict

The Origin of Concurrent Programming is a high-value reference for anyone who needs direct access to the seminal works and firsthand commentary that created the field. It is best purchased by experienced practitioners, researchers, and advanced students who will use the papers for study, citation, or to trace the evolution of concurrency ideas; novices should pair it with an introductory operating systems text before diving in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include original research papers?
Yes, it collects 19 original papers by pioneers in concurrent programming, each with an editorial introduction.

Is prior OS knowledge required?
Yes, the book assumes familiarity with operating system principles and is not written as an introductory text.

Who edited the anthology?
The volume is presented by Per Brinch Hansen, who also contributes and contextualizes the collection.