The understanding of the original real-world problem, the very idea of a solution, and the language-agnostic mapping of that solution to program architecture (

The understanding of the original real-world problem, the very idea of a solution, and the language-agnostic mapping of that solution to program architecture (making good use of existing patterns and algorithms[0]) is the genius, the core value of high-level programmer’s work. These ideas, as well as the appropriate external context, can be captured using any medium, be it analog or digital, since no one came up with a better way to convey it than text and possibly some diagrams. It is part of the reason I consider well-written and well-structured high-level documentation more critical than tests or even functioning program itself. The latter are lossy, narrower representations. [0] If there is anything novel as far as specific patterns and algorithms involved, they can be appropriately formalized and documented in isolation of the larger program and also in a language-agnostic way.