Hi all, I'm wondering if models of creative processes in programming have been proposed in the literature.
It seems to me there are several models involved. Firstly, models in a programmer's head of what a program is for and/or how it should operate. Secondly, models in the computer, the structured text of the source code, and (when married with a language interpreter), its operation over time. Considering the case of a programmer working without a clear specification, for example to compose some music or some other partly serendipitous task, the relationship between the program and programmer seems complex and dynamic. The programmer somehow has an idea, comes up with an algorithm to implement it, and then types it in to their text editor. The process of typing in the algorithm requires that everything about it is made explicit, including areas of its operation that the programmer may not have considered. This may feed back to cause the programmer to modify the original idea they had. They then run the algorithm which might surprise the programmer with unintended consequences, good or bad, again causing them to reflect upon and modify their original idea. The programmer decides on the next edit in response, and around it goes. I imagine work has already been done in this area, could anyone suggest references? I'd be very interested in any opinions on the above ideas too, and on the subject of programming and creativity in general. Best wishes, alex -- The Open University is incorporated by Royal Charter (RC 000391), an exempt charity in England & Wales and a charity registered in Scotland (SC 038302).
