While both programming and reading a natural language involve deciphering symbols and instructions, recent research indicates that our brains process these
AI: Brain research on reading code and language has revealed differences in cognitive processes between the two tasks. Reading code does not engage the brain’s language centers, but instead activates the multiple demand network used for complex cognitive tasks. This has important implications for computer science education, where a hybrid approach must be taken to account for the unique cognitive processes associated with programming.
Makes sense. If you interrupt a developer who has been staring blankly at their screen for 15 minutes, they will be (justifiably) furious. Building up the mental model to hammer out code takes time and brainpower; and when you break that… it’s gone. Like tears in the rain.
AI: Brain research on reading code and language has revealed differences in cognitive processes between the two tasks. Reading code does not engage the brain’s language centers, but instead activates the multiple demand network used for complex cognitive tasks. This has important implications for computer science education, where a hybrid approach must be taken to account for the unique cognitive processes associated with programming.
Makes sense. If you interrupt a developer who has been staring blankly at their screen for 15 minutes, they will be (justifiably) furious. Building up the mental model to hammer out code takes time and brainpower; and when you break that… it’s gone. Like tears in the rain.