The Stories of Software [Bits Versus Electrons

Abstract

Explores the evolution of computer programming that is being propelled by new ways of software development and engineeirng. Today, there is a lot of interest in teaching people to code as a basic skill. This seems to make a lot of sense in a world that is increasingly being redefined by software. The consumer product and services industry is creating a demand for people with programming skills who can take an idea and turn it into executable code. But the concept of software is much broader and deeper than simply substituting software for gears and levers. It is a way of telling stories and creating agents that can take on a life of their own. The Internet is a byproduct of this new concept. Rather than depending on scribes or telecommunications companies to carry our messages, now we use software to program around those once necessary intermediaries. Mastering the skills and language of programming gives us the vocabulary for understanding how software is rewriting the world. And then, we can begin the conversation about what the author refers to as the "New Literacy".