GoKawiilDijkstra's 1978 essay argues against 'natural language programming'
In a short essay, computer scientist Edsger Dijkstra critiques the idea of programming computers using natural human language instead of formal symbolic languages. He traces the history of programming languages, noting how high-level languages improved error detection compared to machine code, but argues that the underlying machines remain literal and unforgiving 'slaves' regardless of the language used. Dijkstra contends that proposals to let people instruct machines in their native tongue misunderstand the fundamental nature of programming.
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Dijkstra's argument suggests that the precision required in programming stems from the nature of instructing machines, not from the artificiality of formal languages—implying that natural language interfaces would not eliminate the need for rigor, only disguise it. This view could be seen as prescient given later developments in AI and natural-language coding tools, where similar debates persist about whether conversational interfaces can truly replace formal logic. The essay reflects a long-standing tension in computer science between accessibility and precision that remains relevant to how programming tools are designed today.
- Dijkstra argues formal symbolism, not awkward syntax, is the real source of programming's required precision.
- He traces the evolution from machine code to high-level languages as attempts to reduce 'silly mistakes' via error messages.
- He criticizes proposals for 'natural language programming' as misunderstanding why programming demands rigor.
Edsger Dijkstra: His Life, Work, and Legacy — This collection offers deep insight into Dijkstra's thinking on programming rigor and formalism, the very themes behind his famous critique of natural language programming. A great read for anyone interested in the philosophy and history behind computer science's foundational debates.
See Edsger Dijkstra: His Life, Work, and Legacy on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: cs.utexas.edu, 2026-10-23
Published there as: “The foolishness of "natural language programming" (1978)”
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