Explaining IT programming concepts using NSM explications: The case of ‘variable’ and ‘constant’

Bartłomiej Biegajło

doi:10.31743/lingbaw.5372

Abstract

The paper seeks to explore a practical application of Natural Semantic Metalanguage in defining two core concepts in computer programming, i.e. the concept of a variable and the concept of a constant. The investigation of both programming concepts is carried out with reference to Apple’s Swift programming language, which is now the dominant language in creating applications designed for Apple’s devices. The explications of a variable and a constant developed in this paper are tentative definitions of the most fundamental functionalities behind the two programming concepts. They are meant to ease the learning experience of programming enthusiasts who are at the early stages of their learning path.

Highlights

As everyday users of a number of electronic devices, we are in constant need of passing various types of electronic data between a plethora of electronic machines
Storing multiple values inside one ‘label’/’container’ is possible; it would require a completely different type of storage arrangement which Apple refers to as ‘collection types’. None of this is the concern of the present discussion; the single-data storage capacity that a variable/constant is equipped with by default has to be included in the explication
Academic literature discussing Natural Semantic Metalanguage provides plenty of evidence that the somewhat provocative claim of there being a set of semantic primes available in any natural language can, serve its purpose

Summary

Introduction

As everyday users of a number of electronic devices, we are in constant need of passing various types of electronic data between a plethora of electronic machines. Apple’s attitude towards the visual components of apps is not exclusive In her bestselling book, Practical UI Patterns for Design Systems, Diana MacDonald reiterates a conclusion which echoes Apple’s guidelines but entails a broader range of online user experience: “UI patterns (user interface patterns) are found in the digital sphere of websites, applications, native mobile apps, and other software or devices” (2019: 2). Practical UI Patterns for Design Systems, Diana MacDonald reiterates a conclusion which echoes Apple’s guidelines but entails a broader range of online user experience: “UI patterns (user interface patterns) are found in the digital sphere of websites, applications, native mobile apps, and other software or devices” (2019: 2) She contends that “the small, reusable UI solutions found in these patterns can be composed together to build cohesive, intuitive experiences that resonate with people” (2019: 11). This is a win-win situation as these solutions are both familiar to the users and constitute a reusable source to app developers

Under the hood

Theoretical background

Old programming concepts in new programming languages

NSM explications of a variable and a constant

Conclusions