Coding is poetry…
July 31st, 2003 by HenAn article at Java.net contains an interview with Richard Gabriel and discusses the idea that Coding is an art/craft and not a science.
So who is it that argues with this? The brainwashed minions of the education system?
It’s why I like to call myself a ‘Coder’ and not a ‘Software Engineer’, ‘Programmer’ or ‘Data Analyst’ or such. Coder’s are artists, the rest are brainwashed misplaced engineers.
[Additionally, I have the same beliefs of Mathematics. It is an Art not a Science].
August 4th, 2003 at 11:19 pm
I agree — esp. the comment on mathematics. I see the “craft” element, however, as equally wrong-headed and stifling as “science envy”. Mindless minions of the “ape the examples” school of programming “craft” do no more to advance programming art than do the “brainwashed” drones of the engineering schools. Art requires self-awareness and independence. To achieve this level of mastery in a technical media (math, programming, music) requires deep penetration. Some people arrive at this via traditional disciplines — the “scientific path”. Others arrive via less structured or “academic” approaches (e.g Ramanujan). Both approaches are valid, but both require lots of technical learning and reflection. The point is to get through this with one’s imagination and independence intact. To end up with both something to say and a consistent and comprehensible way to say it. Then art becomes possible.