Hypothetical CS type question...

[CallMeIshmael]

Consider the set of all the computer programs that perform a meaningful* output computation. That is, consider only programs that start, perform some set of computations, then output data. At which point, you are done with the program, since its only purpose was the generate that output data.


What percentage of programs fall into each of these categories:

1) Less than one hour until data output
2) Between one hour and one year until output
3) More than one year until output



*For the sake of the post, we can give 'meaningful' the definition of 'anything you can reasonably see someone wishing to program' So, obviously a very wide range of possible programs here. Basically, just dont make up a program for the sole purpose of discussing it in this thread.


edit: assume we are looking at a new, fast home PC / good RAM, and using a fast language like c.