The Aesthectics of Code
On exellence in instrumental action


Software systems form an essential part of Western society, serving as tools to uphold institutions, processes and services. It is understandable, therefore, that most fundamental aspects of programs are their function and utility. But they are not, however, the only things programmers are concerned with when writing them. On the contrary, programmers also discuss about many other aspects of software, including the beauty of code. They distinguish between different programming styles and express their personal preferences, for instace, by admiring and vilifying other people´s code. Programmers´ identification with aesthetic preferences may give rise to vanity, to disagreements so entrenched that they deserve the name of 'holy wars' and other similar phenomena. This thesis describes and analyses these phenomena, which ultimately originate in the human faculty to create and appreciate nuances, to become attached to them and to engage in disputes because of them – even in fields as standardised as computer programming. Its aim is to expose the aesthetics of code, and in doing so, to discuss the symbolic aspects of instrumental action at large.

Erik Pinero works at the Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, where he teaches Theory of Organization and Management of Software Development Projects.

Facts
Title: The Aesthectics of Code
On exellence in instrumental action
Language: English
Author: Erik Pinero
Graphic design: Gabor Palotai Design
No. of pages: 390
Format: 120x200 mm
Binding: Soft cover
ISBN 9172836148


Fields of Flow series
This series presents some of the results of the research project Fields of Flow (Art & Business), which is financed by the Bank of Sweden Tercentenary Foundation. The goal of the project is to promote meeting places and discussions between actors – scholars as well as professionals – in the aesthetic, economic and technical fields. The program rests on a research collaboration between the Royal Institute of Technology (Prof. Claes Gustafsson), the Stockholm School of Economics (Prof. Sven-Erik Sjöstrand) and Stockholm University (Prof. Pierre Guillet de Monthoux).

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