programmingLanguage as Language;
summary
Argues that programming languages behave like human languages, borrowing noun cases, number, and register (Rust’s borrow/!macro roles as genitive/vocative, Hungarian notation as noun-class typing). Shows concrete classroom experiments: a flipped course using Daphne with live coding and automatic test feedback for 120 students, REPL-driven workflows in R and LearningWorks, and the Rust compiler’s conversational error messages. Claims programs as stories built via conversation with the compiler, and reports that REPL/live-coding feedback materially improves learning and authoring.
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chapters (11)
- 0:00Programming languages as language
- 1:05Linguistic parallels in PLs
- 7:12Noun cases in programming
- 13:52Type systems and Hungarian notation
- 20:52Number systems and plural types
- 23:03Politeness in programming languages
- 26:58Programs as instructions
- 32:24OOP as storytelling
- 38:16Actants in program design
- 41:45Programming as conversation
- 46:25Questions and reflections on the talk
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