The foolishness of "natural language programming" (1978)

The article titled "The foolishness of natural language programming" discusses the shortcomings of using natural language as an interface for programming computers. Throughout history, people have sought shortcuts and more intuitive interfaces to simplify the process of instructing machines. However, the author argues that the use of formal symbolism has proven to be an effective tool for preventing errors and ensuring accurate results.

The author points to the history of mathematics as evidence that relying on verbal and pictorial methods, rather than formal symbolism, can lead to stagnation and errors. The author cites examples of Greek mathematics and Moslem algebra, which became stuck in verbal and rhetorical styles, respectively, and ultimately hindered progress.

The author emphasizes that formal symbols offer a simple set of rules that help rule out nonsense, making them an efficient means of communication between humans and machines. The author questions whether the convenience of using natural language for programming is truly beneficial, considering the increased burden it places on the machine and the potential for increased errors.

The author also touches on the decline of language skills in the modern world, attributing it to a trend away from intellectual discipline. This decline in language proficiency, the author suggests, could hinder the development of effective interfaces between humans and computers.

In conclusion, the author argues against natural language programming, citing the benefits of formal symbolism and the historical precedent of successful use of formal systems in mathematics and computer science. The author suggests that relying on natural language could lead to increased complexity and errors, ultimately hindering progress in computer science.