Coding Isn’t Neutral, It’s Rhetorical

Code thought of as being completely neutral– without bias and objectively logical. When analyzing the process of composing code it is clear that is far from the truth. Toward the Rhetorical Study of Code, by scholar Kevin Brock, argues that code is rhetorical, like traditional writing, and that we should approach code composition with rhetoric in mind.

Brock’s Characteristics

1. Rhetorical qualities – This is in reference to the rhetorical limitations and capabilities of code. There are two versions of code: code that is accessible to humans (high level language) and code that is accessible to computers (low level language). Both versions of this code work in tandem to allow users perform various activities.
2. Discourse during development – Communication is facilitated between developers within the lines of code. Comments and messages are placed between lines of code to be seen by fellow developers. Communication of any kind possess rhetorical devices and qualities.
3. Social and cultural context – Code be affected by social, historical, or cultural circumstances. Whether a developer acknowledges it or not a their bias can effect their code. If left unchecked it can result in accessibility issues and deficits in inclusivity.

Importance

Code is writing for computers to read. But at the end of the day it is human’s writing it. Like traditional writing, is able to have contain bias, language specific rhetorical tools and devices, and can be influenced by the outside world. Since digital tech is so integrated into our lives recognizing this crucial. By acknowledging the inherit rhetorical nature of code we can reduce bias, increase functionality, and streamline the coding process.

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