Why inclusive language matters in coding

Connecting code and design through inclusive language.

Source: https://payabl.com/news/article/the-definition-of-blacklisting

In 2023, our language mirrors our society, echoing our evolving values and attitudes. Nowhere is this more true than in the field of technology, where the language we use to converse with machines can reflect societal norms and ideologies.

How is the drive towards inclusivity within our societies transforming the library of programming? Is it altering not just the way we code, but how we view and engage with the tech community?

Programming, once perceived as a league strictly for the tech-savvy, is increasingly welcoming diversity, with individuals from various backgrounds contributing to the development of our digital landscape. However, this cultural shift unveils a pressing issue, the inherited language of coding, laced with outdated terms that carry negative connotations. The journey to rectify this situation has begun, and it’s important to look into its significance.

The Historical Context Of Terminologies

Source: https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/slavery

For decades, developers around the globe utilized terms that, seem innocuous to the coding process. However, as our societal lens shifts towards a more inclusive viewpoint, it becomes evident that some of these conventions carry heavy and often negative historical connotations.

A Brief History of Slavery That You Didn’t Learn in School (Published 2019)

The History of Slavery

Master/Slave

This terminology is often used to describe the relationship between databases and servers. The “master” database controls the “slave” databases, directing them to handle tasks or store…