Even if we reach the limit of miniaturization, we can still improve our programming techniques. Today we are emphasizing structures, such as object-oriented languages, so that we can more easily create modular applications. However this is extremely inefficient, and is probably what drives the advances in microchips that Moore's law describes.

If miniaturization stalls, then we may see a move to translate all the programs & applications we are currently using into a far more efficient language, such as Assembly or Machine Language. Take as an example AutoCAD Mechanical Desktop which is programmed with a combination of C++, Visual Basic, and even some Java thrown in. This software package requires 500 Megabytes of hard drive space, and a minimum of 256 Megabytes of RAM. From experience you cannot run this software reliably with less than 500 MB RAM and a Pentium III 800 MHz. It is also ludicrously unstable, crashing every few hours in Windows 98 and instantly crashing with the right combinations of commands. Windows NT is better, but will still crash if you try to multitask too heavily.

I have seen 3D solid modelling software programmed in Assembly, and I can say from experience that it is superior. The first one I saw was called "Blender". This solid modeller requires only 1.5 megabytes of hard drive space, and the same amount of RAM. It features a windows environment just like other software. You can create landscapes and structures in 3D; rotate & render complex assemblies in real time; animate them; it generates export models and interactive code for hard core programming in C++ or any other memory-intensive object oriented language. Although the GUI is not free of bugs, you can tell that the guy who wrote this efficient software was one SERIOUS GODDAM GENIUS.

I know it can be done. That is not the only example either. I have seen Assembly programs consisting of just 2-3 lines of code (what appeared to be gibberish to me) that could perform operations normally requiring a fair sized multi-kilobyte program in any other language. I have seen viruses programmed with just 32 characters!!!

There is so much that could be done it is ridiculous. If memory and speed are at a premium again them programming efficiency will also once again be in great demand.