Educating the Programmer: Notation, Proofs, and the Development of Programs

Abstract

The current state of affairs in programming is discussed. The opinion is expressed that effective programming requires more "mathematical maturity" than most programmers have. Further, education in formal logicc, which is used (often informally) to reason about programs and specifications, and in a theory of programming could do much to increase the programmer's competence. Such education could lead to programming becoming more of a science than just an art. Examples are given throughout to support the opinions presented.