When I was a kid, I used to think that computer science was all about logic and math. I imagined that the people who worked in this field were like robots, always focused on solving problems and making machines work faster. But as I grew older and started to learn more about programming languages and software engineering, I realized that there was a whole new world of creativity and expression waiting to be explored.

One of the people who helped me see this was Larry Wall, the inventor of the Perl programming language.

Wall was not just a computer scientist, but also a linguist and a musician. He believed that programming languages could be beautiful and expressive, just like human languages or musical compositions. He created Perl as a language that would allow programmers to write concise and elegant code, using features like regular expressions and function prototypes that were inspired by linguistic and musical structures.

Wall’s approach to programming was deeply influenced by the Post-Modernist movement, which emerged in the arts and design fields in the late 20th century. Post-Modernism was a reaction against the strict, rationalist style of Modernism that dominated the early 20th century. Post-Modernists believed that art and design should be playful, ironic, and eclectic, drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources and questioning traditional notions of beauty and function.

This same spirit of creativity, experimentation, and interdisciplinarity has now entered the realm of computer science. As more and more people from diverse backgrounds and interests are drawn to programming, they are bringing new ideas and approaches that challenge the traditional ways of thinking about software development.

Post-Modernism is not just a fad or a trend, but a fundamental shift in the way we conceive of technology and its role in society. In this article, we will explore some of the key features of Post-Modernism in computer science, and how they are transforming the field.

Post-Modernism in Programming Languages

One of the most visible ways in which Post-Modernism is shaping computer science is in the design of programming languages. While most mainstream languages like Java, Python, and C++ still follow a largely procedural or object-oriented paradigm, there are many emerging languages that break the mold and incorporate Post-Modernist ideas.

One example is Clojure, a dialect of Lisp that is designed to be functional and concurrent. Clojure is built on the principles of immutability, composition, and simplicity, with a syntax that is clean and minimalist. Clojure is also heavily inspired by the idea of code as data, which allows for powerful metaprogramming and code manipulation techniques.

“Clojure is a Post-Modern programming language in the sense that it is deliberately eclectic, borrowing ideas from Lisp, Java, Ruby, and other languages, and forging them into a new syntax and semantics that emphasizes functional programming and metaprogramming.” – Rich Hickey, creator of Clojure

Another example is Elm, a functional programming language that is designed for building web applications. Elm is based on the philosophy of “no runtime exceptions”, which means that all code is guaranteed to be safe and free of errors. Elm also has a unique approach to handling state and events in user interfaces, which uses a time-traveling debugger and functional reactive programming.

• Clojure and Elm are just two of many Post-Modern programming languages that are gaining popularity among developers who want to explore new paradigms and push the boundaries of what is possible.

These languages show that Post-Modernism is not just about being different for the sake of being different, but about challenging the assumptions and limitations of existing systems, and creating something that is beautiful, meaningful, and functional.

Post-Modernism in Software Development

Post-Modernism is not just a matter of programming languages, but also of software development practices and methodologies. In particular, it emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and user-centered design.

For example, Agile software development, which has become a mainstream approach in the last decade, is based on the principles of manifesto that emphasizes the importance of individuals and interactions over processes and tools, working software over comprehensive documentation, customer collaboration over contract negotiation, and responding to change over following a plan.

Agile recognizes that software development is not just a technical problem, but also a social and cultural one. It emphasizes the need for frequent communication and feedback among team members, and the importance of iterating and adapting to changing circumstances. Agile also encourages a focus on user needs and satisfaction, rather than just technical features and performance.

“Agile is a Post-Modern approach to software development in the sense that it recognizes the importance of fluidity, flexibility, and interdisciplinarity. It challenges the old hierarchical models of software development and brings in new voices and perspectives.” – Martin Fowler, software engineer and author

• Agile is just one example of Post-Modern software development practices that are transforming the way we build and deliver software.

Another example is DevOps, which brings together the traditionally separate functions of software development and operations into a single, collaborative team. DevOps emphasizes the importance of automation, monitoring, and continuous delivery, and also the need for empathy, curiosity, and experimentation among team members.

These Post-Modern software development practices show that technology is not just a matter of code and algorithms, but also of people and culture. They emphasize the need for diversity, creativity, and empathy in the technology industry, and the importance of building technology that serves and empowers all people, not just a privileged few.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Post-Modernism is a powerful force that is transforming computer science in exciting new ways. Here are three key takeaways:

1. Post-Modern programming languages are challenging the assumptions and limitations of traditional paradigms, and opening up new possibilities for creativity and expression.
2. Post-Modern software development practices are emphasizing the importance of collaboration, empathy, and user-centered design, and shifting the focus from technology to people.
3. Post-Modernism is not just a trend or a fashion, but a deep cultural and social shift that is transforming the way we think about technology and its role in society. It requires us to be open, curious, and willing to learn from diverse sources and perspectives.

If you are a computer science student or professional, I encourage you to embrace the Post-Modernist spirit and explore new ideas, approaches, and technologies. Seek out mentors and collaborators who can help you see beyond your own biases and assumptions, and challenge you to be more creative and innovative.