While Rhetoric is a key part of all writing many don’t consider it in terms of more unique forms of writing, code for example. Code stores and shows data in a specific way depending on how it’s written. Whether purposely or accidentally.
An example of this is the security bug found in Open SSL. This bug was incredibly dangerous as it had the potential to send a computer’s entire allocated memory as part of its “heartbeat request message.” It was a way to display data but rather, too much data. This risked the transmission of sensitive data by accident or even done maliously. Thankfully, the bug was eventually fixed
The reason for the bug was due to how the code for it was set up. It had a particular way of reading, storing, and sending information. The bug unintendedly could seek out memory data from unsuspecting or even vulnerable targets. And these results could be repeated indefinitely which increased the chance of something value being collected. But why exactly?
Well, it has to do with the rhetorical study of code. This type of study is how the software uses and develops the work that takes place through its coded texts. These coded texts are how a computer communicates meaning it’s just as important for rhetorical studies. One major component is procedural rhetoric.
So is procedural rhetoric A part or rather, more distinct from digital rhetoric?
In order to explain, we must explain procedural rhetoric as a whole. Procedural rhetoric as Brock explains in “Towards The Rhetorical Study Of Code”, procedural rhetoric is the practice of using processes constructively. In digital rhetoric, this includes such things as software interfaces. It’s commonly regarding the outcomes of certain processes.
It is more distinct than digital rhetoric. While yes, digital rhetoric encompasses procedural rhetoric and what comes to mind for these practices, it isn’t solely just an aspect of digital rhetoric. This can be used to analyze nondigital media that is more procedural such as laws or rules. They are made to promote a specific value. Such is why code is considered a key part of these studies.
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