# John Lions

> Australian computer scientist (1937-1998)

**Wikidata**: [Q384312](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q384312)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lions)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/john-lions

## Summary
John Lions was an Australian computer scientist born in 1937 and died in 1998. He is best known for his influential work in computer science education and his contributions to the field of operating systems.

## Biography
- Born: January 19, 1937 in Sydney, Australia
- Nationality: Australian
- Education: Educated at University of Sydney
- Known for: Contributions to computer science education and operating systems
- Employer(s): University of New South Wales
- Field(s): Computer science

## Contributions
John Lions is most renowned for his work on the UNIX operating system. He authored "Lions' Commentary on UNIX 6th Edition, with Source Code," a seminal book that provided detailed commentary on the UNIX source code. This work became a foundational text for understanding operating systems and was widely used in computer science education. Lions' commentary helped demystify the inner workings of UNIX, making it accessible to students and professionals alike. His approach to teaching through annotated source code set a standard for technical education in computer science.

## FAQs
### Q: What is John Lions most famous for?
A: John Lions is most famous for his book "Lions' Commentary on UNIX 6th Edition, with Source Code," which provided detailed commentary on the UNIX operating system's source code.

### Q: Where did John Lions work?
A: John Lions worked at the University of New South Wales as a computer scientist and educator.

### Q: What was John Lions' contribution to computer science education?
A: John Lions revolutionized computer science education by providing annotated source code and detailed explanations, making complex systems like UNIX accessible to students and professionals.

## Why They Matter
John Lions' work on UNIX and his approach to teaching operating systems have had a lasting impact on computer science education. His commentary on UNIX source code became a standard reference, helping generations of students and professionals understand the intricacies of operating systems. Lions' method of teaching through annotated source code has influenced how technical subjects are taught, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying code in software development. His contributions have shaped the way operating systems are studied and have left a lasting legacy in the field of computer science.

## Notable For
- Author of "Lions' Commentary on UNIX 6th Edition, with Source Code"
- Pioneering approach to teaching operating systems through annotated source code
- Significant influence on computer science education and UNIX understanding
- Worked at the University of New South Wales as a computer scientist
- Contributed to the accessibility and understanding of complex operating systems

## Body
### Early Life and Education
John Lions was born on January 19, 1937, in Sydney, Australia. He received his education at the University of Sydney, where he likely developed his interest in computer science.

### Career at University of New South Wales
Lions worked as a computer scientist at the University of New South Wales. His role at the university allowed him to contribute significantly to the field of computer science education.

### "Lions' Commentary on UNIX 6th Edition"
One of Lions' most significant contributions was his book "Lions' Commentary on UNIX 6th Edition, with Source Code." This work provided detailed commentary on the UNIX operating system's source code, making it accessible to students and professionals. The book became a standard reference in computer science education and was widely used in universities around the world.

### Impact on Computer Science Education
Lions' approach to teaching through annotated source code revolutionized computer science education. By providing detailed explanations alongside the actual source code, he made complex systems like UNIX more understandable. This method has influenced how technical subjects are taught, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying code in software development.

### Legacy
John Lions' work continues to influence computer science education and the understanding of operating systems. His commentary on UNIX has been used by generations of students and professionals, contributing to the widespread adoption and understanding of UNIX-like operating systems. Lions' approach to technical education has set a standard for how complex software systems are taught and understood in academic and professional settings.

## References

1. International Standard Name Identifier
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. CiNii Research
4. Open Library
5. IdRef