Literacy: Natural Language vs. Code

sirReal.83. writes "The Guardian has an article by Dylan Evans, author of Introducing Evolutionary Psychology. The article discusses literacy in computer languages, and suggests that we are in the 'technological middle ages.' Cuddly UI's are the manifestation of wishful thinking; just as we try to make computers to adapt to us, we must adapt to them." Some good points are raised, with the example of the command line interface used, which is a much better choice than, say, an array of switches or a punch card.

Comments

Microsoft is already developing a natural language

[MongooseCN]

Instead of typing in stuff like:

int main()
{
printf("Hello World.\n");
return 0;
}

Now you simple type in:

Microsoft_knows_whats_best_for_me;

Re:Empowering citizens with Boolean algebra

[Ignis Flatus]

Learn the liberal arts -- mathematics and logic -- and you will be much better prepared to defend yourself as a free citizen in a computerized world.

Nah, to be "free" in our society means having power. And for at least a couple of centuries now, the easiest way to obtain power is to become a lawyer. Learn to defy mathematics and confound logic through the power of law.