operators, not users and programmers
a day ago
- The modern distinction between 'programmers' and 'users' is harmful and reduces agency.
- Spreadsheets exemplify malleable software due to immediate feedback and continuous deployment.
- Malleable software aims to unify users and programmers into 'operators' of a computer.
- Current programmer-built systems favor features like VCS, CI, and CD but lack malleability.
- Examples of malleable systems include spreadsheets, WYSIWYG editors, browser devtools, and Sonic Pi.
- Malleable version control examples include file shares and Bank Python, which reduce approval barriers.
- A malleable system should combine hot-reloading, live previews, automatic durability, distributed VCS, instant testing, and easy continuous deployment.