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Think in Math. Write in Code.

jmeiners.com · 2,489 words · saved by 1 readers

Programmers love to discuss programming languages. We not only debate their technical merits and aesthetic qualities, but they become integrated into our personal identities, along with the values and traits that we associate with them. Some even defend a form of Linguistic Determinism that thinking is confined to what the language makes typable. Since we spend so much time writing code, a keen interest in language design is justified. However, the character of these discussions suggests that we think of them as much more, and have perhaps forgotten their primary role. Programming languages are implementation tools for instructing machines, not thinking tools for expressing ideas. They are strict formal systems riddled with design compromises and practical limitations. At the end of the day, we hope they make controlling computers bearable for humans. In contrast, thoughts are best expressed through a medium which is free and flexible. The natural language which has been effectively us

Think in Math. Write in Code. Home GitHub Rss Think in Math. Write in Code. 6/8/19 Programmers love to discuss programming languages. We not only debate their technical merits and aesthetic qualities, but they become integrated into our personal identities, along with the values and traits that we associate with them. Some even defend a form of Linguistic Determinism that thinking is confined to what the language makes typable. Since we spend so much time writing code, a keen interest in language design is justified. However, the character of these discussions suggests that we think of them as

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