Thoughts on Learning Human and Programming Languages
Daniel S. Katz, Jeffrey C. Carver
TL;DR
This paper presents a reflective discussion on the similarities and differences between how humans learn natural languages and programming languages, highlighting insights from a virtual dialogue at a conference.
Contribution
It offers a novel perspective by comparing human language acquisition with programming language learning through an informal dialogue.
Findings
Insights into language learning processes for humans and computers
Identification of key differences between natural and programming languages
Suggestions for improving programming language education
Abstract
This is a virtual dialog between Jeffrey C. Carver and Daniel S. Katz on how people learn programming languages. It's based on a talk Jeff gave at the first US-RSE Conference (US-RSE'23), which led Dan to think about human languages versus computer languages. Dan discussed this with Jeff at the conference, and this discussion continued asynchronous, with this column being a record of the discussion.
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