THE CODE ISSUE 1
In my reading, I occasionally come across something that stands out, something that is extra special. That is how I felt about the special double issue of Bloomberg Businessweek on computer coding. The entire issue is devoted to helping the reader understand how computers work and what writing code involves. It covers technical points, mathematics, the culture and quirks of coders, and how coding fits into the larger business world. It is a very big topic to cover, yet Bloomberg Businessweek does so in a very informative, thorough, and occasionally humorous fashion. I thoroughly enjoyed the lengthy read.
Although I feel the issue is an indispensable read in today’s world, I sadly realize that many folks simply will not take the time. Therefore, beginning today, and for my next many blog posts, I will simply be sharing what I felt were the most interesting, timely, and exquisite quotes from the issue, and with minimal commentary from me. Most of them speak for themselves very well.
Whether you are a hardcore geek, a coder, a PC novice, someone who just never thinks about coding, or a technophobe, I think that you will find something of value in at least some of the segments I share. With that said, here is the splendid opening segment that enticingly leaves the reader hungering for more (“Introduction” by Josh Tyrangiel, 6/15/15–6/28/15, p. 13):
“ Software has been around since the 1940s. Which means that people have been faking their way through meetings about software, and the code that builds it, for generations. Now that software lives in our pockets, runs our cars and homes, and dominates our waking lives, ignorance is no longer acceptable. The world belongs to people who code. Those who don’t understand will be left behind.
. . . [This issue] may take a few hours to read, but that’s a small price to pay for adding decades to your career. ”
