In Toward the Rhetorical Study of Code, Kevin Brock argues for creating a rhetorical framework to study code not just as a technical tool, but as a form of communication with persuasive power. Code reflects beliefs and can influence users to act a certain way. It’s not only about giving instructions to a computer. It’s also about the choices people make while writing it, what they include, what they leave out, how they name things, and how they structure it. These decisions matter because every line of code reflects a choice made by the coder. Brock wants us to treat code like language or writing something that can express ideas, shape behavior, and carry bias.
He also shows how code fits into the broader field of digital rhetoric, focusing on how communication works in digital spaces. One key idea he brings up is procedural rhetoric, which is how systems and rules, like those in video games or apps, persuade users or make a point. These systems often guide how people interact with technology without realizing it. For example, a game might reward certain actions or limit others to send a message or encourage a specific behavior. That design influences the experience, and that’s rhetoric in action.
Brock pushes us to notice these things. If code shapes our experiences and choices, we need tools to study how it communicates. That’s why he argues for a rhetorical approach. It helps us see code not just for what it does, but for what it means.
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