Dr. Dobb's Journal of Computer Calisthenics & Orthodontia (original) (raw)

Dr. Dobb's Journal of Computer Calisthenics & Orthodontia with the subtitle "Running Light without Overbyte" was the full title of the pioneer computer newsletter published by Bob Albrecht and Dennis Allison's People's Computer Company. The title was later shortened to Dr. Dobb's Journal, then changed to Dr. Dobb's Software Tools as it became more mainstream. The magazine presently appears as Dr. Dobb's magazine.

The reason for the original subtitle was that the first page of the first edition showed an image of Robert Redford running with a lit torch. From the image, it was clear that his teeth were perfect, hence "without overbyte". This explains the orthodontia, while the running presumably was the inspiration behind calisthenics. "Dobb's" came from collapsing together Allison's and Albrecht's first names, the pasteup artist titling the original newsletter, thinking Allison's name was Don. Back in those days of computers with 'mimiscule' resources, "running light without overbyte" was a meaningful catchphrase. the magazine later ran the definitely less flashy byline "software tools for the professional programmer"

The publishers had also considered the somewhat shorter title Byte, but that was already taken.

The magazine content was pure computer enthusiast. Initial interest circled around Tiny BASIC, but this soon broadened. Most of the content came from volunteer contributions; Steve Wozniak counting among one of the more well known early contributors. Today, the magazine receives contribution from developers from all over the world working in the fields of application development and embedded technologies across all programming languages and platforms. Michael Swaine and Verity Stob (pseudonym for an English programmer) are among the popular columninsts.

Programs published during the early years include: