I think if we continue down this path, then eventually you would converge on any language is a programming language because a language is inherently designed to be read, wrote, and to be interpreted. This I think is close to the truth, but the problem is that it doesn't correctly focus on the right part of the argument. All languages can be programming languages, but not all of them always are.
What makes a language a programming language is its intent. The intent of the language must be to translate from one entity to another entity a set of instructions to follow. In this way a set of colored blocks could be made into a programming language.
Beyond this there are languages which have been made with the exclusive intent to convey instructions from one entity to another i.e. a human to a machine, and these specific languages have been given the title of programming languages to express the intent of the language.
I think the big issue with the term "programming language" is that nobody really has a concrete idea of what that means. As a result, pretty much anyone can draw a line in the sand and declare something is or is not a programming language. As consequence, an elitist can come along and use those lines to arbitrarily exclude people.
So, maybe the line is just "human to machine." That way, we can exclude other mediums like music, but keep the category broad enough as to not exclude people who use MATLAB, HTML, XML, CSV, etc.
For further actions, you may consider blocking this person and/or reporting abuse
We're a place where coders share, stay up-to-date and grow their careers.
I think if we continue down this path, then eventually you would converge on any language is a programming language because a language is inherently designed to be read, wrote, and to be interpreted. This I think is close to the truth, but the problem is that it doesn't correctly focus on the right part of the argument. All languages can be programming languages, but not all of them always are.
What makes a language a programming language is its intent. The intent of the language must be to translate from one entity to another entity a set of instructions to follow. In this way a set of colored blocks could be made into a programming language.
Beyond this there are languages which have been made with the exclusive intent to convey instructions from one entity to another i.e. a human to a machine, and these specific languages have been given the title of programming languages to express the intent of the language.
This is really spot on!
I think the big issue with the term "programming language" is that nobody really has a concrete idea of what that means. As a result, pretty much anyone can draw a line in the sand and declare something is or is not a programming language. As consequence, an elitist can come along and use those lines to arbitrarily exclude people.
So, maybe the line is just "human to machine." That way, we can exclude other mediums like music, but keep the category broad enough as to not exclude people who use MATLAB, HTML, XML, CSV, etc.