Programming Isn't Math, It's Linguistics. Compilers and Humans have the same problem. We're all terrible at understanding each other. Join me for some formal language theory, a lot of C++, and some "recreational" insults.

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everytime i see your post on x tech timelines it's just like finding a diamond in the pile of slop. thank you for making such content.

@KIRBARA2000 thank you! that means a lot

For anyone particularly upset about my statement “Programming is Linguistics”, I suggest you read this short story:

Programming languages are pseudo formal systems, and formal systems are logic based/bounded. People who have difficulty understanding compilers are fundamentally people who have difficulties with formal logic where axioms predate the statements that follow.

you remind me of these 2

I've made the mistake once of taking her posts seriously, only to realize that she is a "content creator" and not an engineer. It is clear that she picks a subject, learns superficially about it, writes a script, fact-checks it, etc. This is mostly computing Mr-Beast-like stuff.

The argument can be made that math is just efficient linguistics at the lowest levels

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I see that my first comment was cryptic to some poeple. I will try and make my point more clearly: Programming is best understood through the lens of propositional logic — not pure math, not natural language. Programming is propositional logic with incomplete axioms and unreliable inference 1. .Programs are for the most part propositions about state transitions. 2. Compilers do partial proof-checking, but allow fail proofs (eg null derefs or race conditions) 3. Compilers are pseudo-formal because they allow statements that are outside of their axiomatic logic. Programming isn’t math (too total). It isn’t linguistics (too vague). It’s propositional logic — but with: Incomplete axioms Unreliable inference engines Expressions that look valid but explode That’s why humans and compilers misunderstand each other: They’re both trying to evaluate partially specified logical claims in a fragmented proof system. In summary: Programming is propositional logic with half the axioms and none of the soundness.

This is why there is so much terrible code out there.

Programming is largely mathematics: from algorithms to data structures and design patterns. The fundamental underpining is Maths, not numeracy, but Maths. Major programming language paradigms have their roots in Mathematics. The first programmer was a Mathematician.

In my playground, programming is math - and math is art 👀

Analogy is too shallow imo. Human language is about conveying meaning and sense between humans, “biological LLMs” if you wish. It is non-deterministic. Meanwhile programming is about passing instructions, meaning of which (semantics) is already hardcoded in the processor. It is deterministic. Two completely different functions. Using “language” here is misleading

That's an interesting point but I disagree entirely.

It's commonly said amongst software developers. "I got into coding because there is no math"

Where did you get that duck? Is it your pet?

This is so great! I especially love your content about compilers 💪🤘

lisp ftw!!! it’s laurie approved!

Math is the better type of linguistics

Programming is hard math when you’re working with critical low-level code that actually matters, not just some fancy frontend.

Really, formal language theory and C++? Good luck with reconciling that.

turkey mentioned @HSVSphere

New Laurie Wired video dropped, we eating good today

nah it’s cooking

You wouldn't be on a rug utilizing a Oscope and Spectrum Analyzer, where is your ESD mat and strap, that carpet would cause all sorts of discharge and we should talk about your cable management, it's all over place 😁

Computational linguist here. Its true. Unfortunately, linguistics is math.

wow thats crazy can you cook me a lasagna plz?

No, it’s math, but now I follow you!)

Sick production and studio!

That's why I enjoy certain legal language. Just wish it was structured like code tho...

Yes > We're all terrible at > understanding each other. Yes

this is dumb and wrong hope its not to vague

TÜRKIYE MENTIONED!?! 🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷

... and pure linguistics is maths ... I remember when I was at Uni doing Com Sci - studying compilers, and my sister was at Uni doing Arts studying Linguistics / Formal Grammars ... we were actually studying pretty much the same thing.