In 1991, Dutch programmer Guido van Rossum released Python, a general-purpose coding language that eventually took modern software development to the next level. Unlike its predecessors, Python’s syntax could execute code instantly and in fewer lines, which allowed developers to write programs and perform mathematical functions more complex than ever before (Python Introduction, n.d.). The following articles both provide an analysis on the popular programming language. The first article is a trade publication by Serdar Yegulalp titled “What is Python? Powerful, intuitive programming.” The second, a scholarly article named “Programming: Pick up Python” by Jeffery Perkel. In order to determine which is more useful to the coding community, both will be evaluated on the quality of their content. The practicality of each article depends on how well each author demonstrates the following: information credibility, representation of the software engineering discipline, and building a relationship with the audience.
Information Credibility
The first step to evaluating information credibility is to verify the authors’ sources. Yegulalp’s article offers no citations, but this is a common characteristic among trade publications. On the other hand, Perkel’s article, which is derived from Nature: International Weekly Journal of Science, has only one citation, where he references a resource from somewhere else within the journal. So far, not much can be said about the reliability of the articles’ content.
The next step is to examine the integrity of the authors. According to LiveAbout, Yegulalp is a “seasoned journalist in information technology,” with a degree in English literature, obtained from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He has worked for many notable companies, such as InfoWorld, Computerworld, TechTarget, and Byte magazine (Serdar Yegulalp, n.d.). On the flip side, Perkel, holds a bachelor’s degree in microbiology obtained from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst as well as a PhD in cell and molecular biology from the University of Pennsylvania. Additionally, he is a member of the National Association of Science Writers and, obviously, a contributor for the aforementioned Nature journal (Staff Profile: Jeffery M. Perkel, n.d.). With this information, it is apparent that both authors are qualified to write their respected articles. While Perkel appears to be more educated, Yegulalp seems to be more experienced with programming concepts.
The final step is to examine the credibility of the article’s container. Yegulalp’s article was published by InfoWorld; while this site may be popular resource for many, it is a vessel for trade publications only. This is where Perkel holds the upper hand, as his article is published by the Nature journal. Nature not only submits its articles to a rigorous peer-review process, but also seems to hold the integrity of its content in high esteem. This can be seen on the site’s Editorial Values Statement, where the journal claims to “promote openness and transparency as well as the highest standards in research culture” (Editorial Values Statement, n.d.).
Representation of the Software Engineering Discipline
Representing the software engineering discipline isn’t that difficult. First off, articles within the discipline are typically written in APA, since programming is technically a science. Oddly enough, however, no such formatting exists between the two articles, as there is no sign of any abstract or cover page on either. This doesn’t necessarily mean that Yegulalp’s article doesn’t represent the discipline; lots of trade articles lack academic formatting. Perkel, however, can’t get away with this as easily, considering that his article is a scholarly one.
Building a Relationship with the Audience
There are two ways for an author to build a relationship with an audience; the first way is to rid the text of complex jargon for improved readability. Yegulalp struggles with this, as he writes his piece in a way that makes it difficult for a non-programmer to understand. In addition to constantly referencing coding terminology, the author continuously alludes to situations that only experienced programmers would find themselves in. Given this information, it’s clear that Yegulalp only intends to reach out to novice and expert programmers and leave beginners in the dust. (Yegulalp, 2019). On a much broader scale, however, Perkel’s article extends itself to basically anyone within a scientific discipline by persuading them into joining the coding community. As a matter of fact, the article starts off by describing how an agricultural engineer with no formal training in computer science manages to implement Python into her work. Perkel does this multiple times throughout the text, referencing individuals from professions such as astronomy, neuroscience, and even quantum mechanics (Perkel, 2015). By integrating the ethos of these individuals into his article, Perkel effectively strengthens his relationship with both software engineers and those in related disciplines.
The second way to build a relationship with an audience is to incorporate the proper tone. Yegulalp comes across as honest to the reader; although he clearly believes in the handiness of Python, the reader’s best interest remains his top priority. We know this because of how Yegulalp isn’t afraid talk about how Python is flawed. At one point, he even suggests using another programming language, C/C+, due to its faster processing speed. This is most likely because the author wants his audience to build upon their coding skills. By suggesting more options, the readers are left to decide which language is most efficient. On the other hand, Perkel’s article offers a much more welcoming tone. He is simply trying to introduce the reader to programming, and therefore, is less critical when it comes to Python. By using phrases like “less-painful for beginners” or “easier to handle,” it is obvious that Perkel only intends to make his audience feel comfortable in starting their programming journeys. Although both authors clearly have good intentions, Perkel’s warm tone allows him to communicate with his audience more efficiently than Yegulalp.
Conclusion
In order for each article to prove their usefulness to the coding community, they must demonstrate how their content is reliable, how it represents the discipline, and how it builds a relationship with its audience. While neither author offered any references to analyze, they both proved to be qualified professionals according to their education and work experience. Although Perkel is more educated, Yegulalp seems to be more experienced with programming concepts.
As for the articles’ containers, Yegulalp’s article proved to be inferior to Perkel’s, as the journal that published Perkel’s utilizes a rigorous peer-review process and appears to take its credibility more seriously than its competitor. As for representing the discipline, Perkel’s article did poorly, as it lack proper APA formatting, even though was part of a scholarly journal. Yegulalp, however, could get away with this, since his article was a trade publication. Finally, Perkel’s article did a better job of building a relationship with its audience, since it appeals to a wider
range of readers and offers a more welcoming tone. Yegulalp, consequentially, fell short on this because of his use of complex jargon. With all of this in mind, it’s clear that both articles are practical in their own ways, as both equally empower their readers with useful information to assist them in all of their Python endeavors.
Works Cited
Editorial Values Statement. N.d. Nature. Retrieved April 27, 2021, from Editorial Values Statement | Nature
Perkel, Jeffrey M. (2015, Feb 4). “Programming: Pick up Python”. Nature. Retrieved Mar 1, 2021, from https://www.nature.com/news/programming-pick-up-python-1.16833
Serdar Yegulalp. LiveAbout. Dotdash Publishing. Retrieved Mar 1, 2021, from https://www.liveabout.com/serdar-yegulalp-144354
Yegulalp, Serdar. (2019, Nov 13). “What is Python? Powerful, intuitive programming”. InfoWorld. IDG Communications. Retrieved Mar 1, 2021, from https://www.infoworld.com/article/3204016/what-is-python-powerful-intuitive-programming.html
Staff Profile: Jeffery M. Perkel. (2006, Jan 1). The Scientist. Retrieved April 27, 2021, from Staff Profile : Jeffrey M. Perkel | The Scientist Magazine® (the-scientist.com)
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