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The Pervert's Guide to Computer Programming Languages - SXSW

Vulk Coop · 27.7K views · 2017-03-28 · 1:02:36

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Overview

A SXSW talk by W Watson that uses Lacanian psychoanalysis, with nods to Zizek, to critique popular programming languages. It argues that people choose and defend languages for emotional and ideological reasons rather than rational ones.

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HN recommends it as an entertaining and eye-opening look at the irrational psychology behind language preferences, though some note it is not scientifically precise.

Recommended by 6 HN people across 5 months · HN mentions 2019–2025

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What people said

qu4ku · 2020-05 · Strong recommendation

If you want to know why-the-hate watch this[1] talk — one of the best and eye-opening talks I've ever heard. It has nothing to do with the language itself and everything to do with the user of the language. [1] The Pervert's Guide to Computer Programming Languages [VIDEO]

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jimwhite42 · 2024-05 · Recommendation

Here's an attempt to explaining the irrational part of programmers deciding which programming language to use. Part of it goes into more detail on ideas like C programmers insisting 'on the danger because they cannot stand the possibility of the danger being taken away from them'. "The Pervert's Guide to Computer Programming Languages" [VIDEO] It's pretty out there, but I thought also interesting.

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mwattsun · 2022-01 · Recommendation

Since the author is open up front about their OCD issues, this talk immediately came to mind. It's a bit of an elaborate tongue-in-cheek joke, but I found it personally helpful for thinking about why a choose a language. Pervert in this context does not mean sexual deviancy. In the Lacanian sense, a pervert is a person who enjoys being a vessel of the rules. The Pervert's Guide to Computer Programming Languages - SXSW [VIDEO] The Pervert's Guide to Computer Programming Languages Psychoanalysis and Software What are the issues with selecting a programming language? • Which programming language should we choose? - Just saying: 'use the right tool for the job' begs the question • Why are there over 1000 programming languages? • How do we critique a programming language? • Why do language designers create new programming languages? • Rational reasons • Maximize expression while modeling: • a specific problem • a broad range of problems • Psychoanalysts: "Many decisions are not rational" • Programming language choice can be rational, non-rational, or a mix • Use Jacques Lacan and Slavoj Zizek's critical theory • Critique non-rational decisions • Discover ulterior motives (ours and others) • Explain the diversity of language options Jacques Lacan • French psychoanalyst and philosopher • Extremely cryptic • Preoccupied with desire and enjoyment • Popularized the mirror image, the Big Other, and the triad of the Imaginary. the Symbolic. and the Real • Believes all humans fall into th

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Video by Vulk Coop, played through YouTube.

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