Talks
Speakers
Events
Topics
Sign in
Home
Talks
Speakers
Events
Topics
Leaderboard
Use
Analytics
Sign in
Suggest modification to this talk
Title
Description
Many of us are familiar with the old adage about writing code "for people to read, and only incidentally for machines to execute" (thanks, Abelson and Sussman) - but it's easier said than done. The fields of object-oriented design, patterns, and software architecture are vast, but primarily concerned with the mechanical structure of code - what if we took a step back from the nuts and bolts of the code and look at the way we as humans read and write it? Can we use our understanding of the psychology of human cognition to better understand our target audience, and in turn write code that is more intuitive, readable, and maintainable? This talk will walk through some of the basics of cognitive psychology and relate them back to concrete ways that we as developers can optimize our code for high performance in the interpreter between our ears.
Date
Summarized using AI?
If this talk's summary was generated by AI, please check this box. A "Summarized using AI" badge will be displayed in the summary tab to indicate that the summary was generated using AI.
Show "Summarized using AI" badge on summary page
Summary
Markdown supported
In the talk titled "Cognitive Psychology and the Zen of Code," Jay Zeschin discusses how cognitive psychology can enhance code readability and maintainability. He begins by referencing the quote from Abelson and Sussman: 'Programs must be written for people to read and only incidentally for machines to execute.' This principle emphasizes the importance of human readability over purely mechanical execution. Zeschin highlights several key points throughout the presentation: - **Memory and Cognitive Function**: He explains the functions of memory, including encoding, storing, and retrieving data, and distinguishes between working memory and long-term memory. Working memory is limited but can be enhanced through strategies like chunking, which allows individuals to remember larger amounts of data by breaking it into smaller, manageable pieces. - **Cognition and Attention**: The speaker introduces the concept of attention in cognitive processes, differentiating between high-level conscious thought and automatic responses. He illustrates the 'cocktail party effect' as an example of selective attention and discusses the Stroop task to exemplify how attention manages conflicting information. - **Heuristics in Decision Making**: Zeschin discusses cognitive shortcuts, known as heuristics, which help individuals make quick decisions but can also lead to biases. Heuristics that rely on availability, representativeness, and framing can influence judgments and should be recognized to avoid faulty reasoning. - **Pattern Recognition**: The ability of the brain to recognize patterns plays a crucial role in decision making, allowing developers to draw on past experiences to inform current judgments. Zeschin connects these cognitive concepts back to programming by arguing that developers should design code to be predictable and readable to minimize cognitive load. Key strategies include: - **Minimizing Surprises**: Ensuring code adheres to principles that reduce unexpected complexities, allowing readers to focus on conceptual understanding rather than syntax. - **Encouraging Recognition over Recall**: Modifying code structures to facilitate easy recognition, thereby aiding retention and comprehension. - **Effective Communication in Code**: Using language constructs thoughtfully to create clear expectations for code behavior, which enhances understanding. In conclusion, Zeschin asserts that understanding cognitive processes enables developers to write code that engages readers more effectively. By designing code that is comprehensible and logically organized, one can optimize coding practices for better retention and ease of use. The main takeaway is that developers should prioritize writing code for human readers, leveraging cognitive psychology principles to enhance usability and maintainability.
Suggest modifications
Cancel
