Overview of Code

I have never coded anything in my entire life. In fact, I have a rather elementary understanding of what code truly is.

I understand the general function and importance of code. I know that it essentially serves as the functionality of technology. However, I could not write a single line myself.

Perhaps that is why this reading was a bit blurry for me. As always, a few parts of Brock’s piece on code stood out to me. Those will be the parts I dissect for this post.

What is the meaning?

On page eleven Brock stated something that really stood out to me.

Brock wrote: “Instead, I base my argument on the premises that code is as meaningful as any other form of communication and that the sheer amount of code produced each day (likely numbering in the billions of lines of code), along with the impact that much of that code has on myriad aspects of daily life, suggests an important phenomenon in need of continued and focused investigation.”

This part stood out to me because I would even argue code is one of the most meaningful forms of communication. Brock states that it is ‘as meaningful’ as any other form, but I would go even a step further.

Without coding, none of this would work. The technology we rely on everyday for work, entertainment and education would be useless.

Say we all woke up tomorrow and coding in our technology was just.. gone. The world would be doomed and chaos would likely erupt faster than we realize.

Even as a a communication major (who truly loves to study how and why humans communicate the way they do) I would argue that in 2024 communication via code is of the utmost importance.

So yes Brock, I agree with the assertion that coding should be investigated more in terms of rhetoric.

Distinctions in examining code

On page nineteen of the text, Brock provides insight on how some scholars feel about examining coding.

Brock states “…while others question whether it might be a distinct method of communication worthy of examination and experimentation separate from other writing studies.”

Although I do not feel too strongly about whether code should compliment conventional forms of writing, I do agree that it is a distinct method of communication.

When I read code, I really do not understand any of it. To me, it might as well be in another language. I don’t think that it makes sense to examine it as part of other writing studies.

I hope to learn more about coding over the next few weeks. Right now, I feel very lost.