Why are there many different computer programming “languages”?
Here are two pictures: Suppose you needed to invent a language in which you could communicate with aliens about these two items. If the aliens were termite-like, the fact that the table is metal is probably important. In fact, they might want a lot of detail about the type of wood the chair is made from, but no detail at all about the table since it’s uninteresting to them. If the aliens were small of build, the fact that the table is large and heavy, whereas the chair is smaller and lighter, might be important. The specific materials they’re made of might be inconsequential. If the aliens are about the same height as you but have really short legs and a really long torso, the average heights of the chair seat and tabletop might be the most interesting points–regardless of construction materials, weight, or other properties. Therefore, if you were designing a language for discussing these items, would you design a language that lets you say a lot about materials, a lot about weight, or
