Express more in code

Code tends to be clearer and more precise.

Math formula

The traditional math language has a lot of issues:

• Variables may be used before or without declaration.
• Variables do not have scoping.
• Prone to typos and untestable.

Instead of writing E = mc^2, I'd rather just write e = m * (c ** 2).

Tables

Most tables can be converted to code in a clear way. For example:

Via direct variable declaration:

1strength = 9;
2strength_modifier = -1;
3dexterity = 11;
4dexterity_modifier = 0;
5constitution = 10;
6constitutito_modifier = 0;

Or via a data structure:

1class AbilityScore(Integer score) {
2  assert(score >= 1 && score <= 30);
3  shared Integer modifier => floor((score - 10) / 2.0).integer;
4}
5value strength = AbilityScore(9);
6value dexterity = AbilityScore(11);
7value constitution = AbilityScore(10);

In fact, the later form reveals the relationship between ability and modifier.

Choices of language

A lot of programming languages suffer from design flaws or lack of ecosystem, but usually these issues do not affect brief code samples. Thus, most languages are fine.

If a language with C like syntax is chosen, then it is recommended to use the Java style (opening braces on same line) and an indent level of 2 spaces. This saves space and does not harm readability for brief code samples.

The most popular choice seems Python, which is the most used language in the Jupyter ecosystem.