What is SP?

Abstract

An unorthodox view of computing is embodied in the so-called SP Theory and its associated computing language and 'new-generation' computing system. The central contention of this theory is that computing is data compression; and the sole function of the SP 'computer' is to compress data supplied to it. SP has, however, been posited as a general theory of computing. A vast array of capabilities - ranging from running programs to making logical deductions - are said to result merely as side-effects of the compression process. This paper examines the operation of the proposed system and evaluates its theoretical basis. Particular attention is paid to certain issues, such as computational complexity, affecting the practicability of the SP system.