WRAPPING UP THE CODE ISSUE
In June, I read the entire special double issue of Bloomberg Businessweek on computer coding (Paul Ford, “The Code Issue”, 6/15/15–6/28/15). As I posted in late June, I knew then that I had come across something that powerfully stands out, something that is extra special. The entire issue is devoted to helping readers understand a little about how computers work and much more about 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 sometimes humorous fashion. I thoroughly enjoyed the lengthy read.
Today, after having devoted 32 blog posts to what I felt were the most interesting, timely, and exquisite quotes from the issue, and after having devoted one blog post to the excellent Bloomberg Businessweek reader feedback, I am now wrapping up this series. I am choosing to conclude the series the same way it began. The issue’s introduction so well foreshadows the significance of the content, that I believe concluding with it will reinforce its enduring value. Whether you are a hardcore geek, a coder, a PC novice, someone who just never thinks about coding, or a technophobe, you will richly benefit from exploring the tome. With that said, here is the splendid opening segment that enticingly leaves the reader hungering for more. My encouragement to you is to go out and get that “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. ”
