● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact1 negative
Critique of "Natural Language Programming" from 1978
Key points
- Programming requires formal symbolism and accuracy.
- High-level languages improved error detection, not fundamental ease.
- Natural language programming shifts complexity to the machine.
- The author doubts the validity of natural language programming.
The Enduring Need for Formalism
Since the early days of computing, there has been a desire to move away from the precision required by formal symbolism in programming. Some have viewed the machine's strict obedience to instructions, even erroneous ones, as a shortcoming. This perspective often overlooks that programming necessitates careful and accurate instruction.
Evolution of Programming Languages
Machine code was identified as a risky interface due to its lack of redundancy. This led to the development of high-level programming languages, which improved error detection. While these languages made it easier to catch mistakes, they did not eliminate the need for formal symbolism. The underlying machine remained a 'faithful slave,' executing instructions literally, whether sensible or not.
Critique of Natural Language Programming
The idea of instructing machines in natural languages has been proposed to simplify their use, shifting the burden to the machine. However, the author questions the validity of this argument, suggesting that it misidentifies the source of programming difficulties as the obligation to use formal symbolism. The article implies that the complexity of communication across an interface is not simply a matter of dividing labor.
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Reporting from
This 1978 article argues against the concept of "natural language programming," asserting that programming inherently requires formal symbolism and precision. The author contends that the desire for natural language interaction stems from a misunderstanding of programming's fundamental nature, where machines are faithful, albeit nonsensical, automatons.