Code to Joy: Why Everyone Should Learn a Little Programming

by Michael L Littman

How we can get more joy from our machines by telling them what our hearts desire.

In this informative, accessible, and very funny book, Michael L. Littman inspires readers to learn how to tell machines what to do for us. Rather than give in to the fear that computers will steal our jobs, spy on us and control what we buy and whom we vote for, we can improve our relationship with them just by learning basic programming skills. Our devices will help us, Littman writes, if we can say what we want in a way they can understand.

Each chapter of the book focuses on a particular element of what can be said, providing examples of how we use similar communication in our daily interactions with people. Littman offers ways readers can experiment with these ideas right away, using publicly available systems that might also make us more productive as a welcome side effect. Each chapter also reflects on how the use of these programming components can be expedited by machine learning. With humor and teacherly guidance, Code to Joy brings into view a future where programming is like reading—something everyone can learn.

Genres: Nonfiction, Technology

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2023

Reviews

[Kiri · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a pleasure to read this book! It's full of humor and important insights about how we can get a little more control and a little more fun out of our interactions with computers. Michael Littman makes all of this accessible (and amusing). He has a broad perspective, and he knows how to demystify computer oddities in a totally engaging way. You may learn something from his book without even noticing it until later!

Beyond simply a discussion of programming, bigger ideas of machine learning and optimization are woven throughout the book. And ultimately, it's a positive, inspiring, and empowering read. I highly recommend the final chapter for everyone.

[Teo Hynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first glance this book does what normally annoys me... saving the meaning of the title until the end... however I am willing to make an exception as it is truly evident from cover to cover that there is joy in coding. It is clear that Littman has found that joy and wishes to share that joy with us! Thank you very much for not only doing that but being culturally responsive in doing so :) can't wait for whatever the next book is!

[Myra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably more like 3.5 stars.

Good, solid, often entertaining book about why everyone should learn programming. I knew a lot of the basics and thought that Littman did an excellent job giving examples and keeping the tone engaging. It does get pretty technical in the second half, which was a bit more difficult of a read.

[Elizabeth Behrman · Rating 4 out of 5]

a quick fun read. even hilarious in spots.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

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