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I don't like the term "programming language" and your comment illustrates why. We would expect that an aspiring architect needs to learn a little bit of notati

I don't like the term "programming language" and your comment illustrates why. We would expect that an aspiring architect needs to learn a little bit of notation, and a lot about the tradeoffs and constraints of making a building. We should expect that programmers learn a little bit of notation, and a lot about the tradeoffs and constraints of making software. Knowing your tools well is important, but not sufficient. Focusing on "programming languages" makes people think that the important part is the notation. It is not.

cammil 6y ago
I think I understand your point. Do you think that the "programming language" should sacrifice the usefulness of its syntax in order to appeal to beginners more? There is also I think a difference between Architecture and software development in that an architect aims to design and plan with drawings and documents a building that in the end is distinct from them, whereas software development produces a set of documents that are synonymous with the software itself.
- karmakaze 6y ago
  Not to detract from the main point. A program is also distinct from what it produces unless it's a quine.
- yellowstuff 6y ago
  > Do you think that the "programming language" should sacrifice the usefulness of its syntax in order to appeal to beginners more? No. This has been tried a lot and has mostly failed. The notation can be a barrier but it isn't the hardest part.