In 30 seconds
Theo Browne argues that developers are in a skeuomorphic phase: they treat the terminal as an ideal interface because it is familiar. Although he loves terminals, he says natural language does not belong in one.
- 1A skeuomorphic phaseTheo says developers are leaning on a familiar interface when thinking about new ways to work.
- 2A beloved interfaceHe loves his terminal but does not consider it the ultimate interface.
- 3Natural languageHe argues that familiarity is why developers keep placing natural language in terminals.
Takeaways
- Theo thinks developers overestimate the terminal as an interface.
- He believes familiarity and affection help explain its continued appeal.
- He argues that natural language does not belong in a terminal.
Read the edited text by chapter
Familiarity and the terminal
Theo questions the terminal as an interface for natural language. He connects its appeal to developers’ habits and affection for it.
I think software developers are in a skeuomorphic phase. We act as though terminals are the ultimate interface, even though I do not think they are particularly good interfaces. I say that as someone who deeply loves my terminal.
Natural language has no place in a terminal, but we pretend it does because the terminal is familiar. It is what we are used to, what we love, and where we like to imagine ourselves when we think about coding.
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